Helmetless Motorcyclist Dies Protesting Mandatory Helmet Law
New York State, as well as most other states, has a mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists. Every year brings organized protests against the helmet law, and this year was no exception. The 4th of July weekend rolled around and motorcyclists in Onondaga, NY decided to celebrate by taking a helmetless motorcycle ride. Their intention was to protest the helmet law based on the belief that it signifies too much government interference in our personal lives.
The protest of the mandatory helmet law resulted in the death a motorcyclist who crashed during the helmetless ride. According to local doctors, he would have survived the crash had he been wearing a helmet.
It's important to point out that the anti-helmet sentiment is not popular. My husband's a biker, and at almost 60 years old he's been a biker for a long time. He and his friends wouldn't consider riding without a helmet. As a matter of fact, they're the ones who told me this joke: Q: What do you call a biker who doesn't wear a helmet? A: An organ donor. It's an old joke, and certainly follows the rule that many a truth is said in jest.
I work for a non-profit organization and a few years ago I was approached by a group asking us to support them on a "Freedom Ride" on Flag Day. I was intentionally mislead to believe that the motorcycle ride was to raise awareness of military troops. As the day of the ride got closer and I was finalizing the details- which included the leader of the protest singing a contract- it came to light that "Freedom Ride" meant helmetless ride, for which they had received a waiver and a police escort. Clearly, their intention was not in line with the principles and practices of our organization, so I pulled our support. I had absolutely no qualms about it, and because my boss is a former nurse practitioner, I knew I would have her support without even asking.
Instead of looking at the mandatory helmet law as a rule which regulates safety, protects citizens, and saves lives;some groups see wearing a helmet as an intrusion. It's unfortunate that common sense can't dictate behavior. Even more unfortunate that one helmetless rider died during this particular protest.
My heart goes out to the loved ones of the man who died. I can only hope that he did not die in vain, and that his death encourages other motorcyclists to wear helmets. Helmets save lives.
Sources:
Personal Experience
Published by Kay Whittenhauer
Kay Whittenhauer resides in Rochester, NY, with her husband, their teenage son, and a rambunctious dog of mysterious pedigree. She works year-round as an office administrator at a non-profit organization and... View profile
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16 Comments
Post a CommentI think it should be a law. Great article.
Great insights!
Hey you -- We have a motorcycle. When we ride in New Hampshire, my husband use to remove his helmet until we crossed back over the border into Massachusetts. I always wear my helmet no matter where we go. I noticed last summer, my husband did not bother to take his helmet off in NH. Not sure why now after riding all his life. I cannot say that I have never ridden without a helmet. I like the security of feeling safer when we are riding. This is an ongoing debate for sure! Happy summer, Kay! :)
:(
What's sad is that my brother lived in Florida at the time and was therefore required to wear a helmet. Here in Colorado, he would not have suffered the same fate because he hated helmets. He said they cut down on visibility and hearing and were therefore a hazard. He was 32 with a 6 month old baby. As you might have guessed, I'm for freedom of choice. As for the biker who died, at least he was fighting for something he believed in. I think it's not about the helmet, but the freedom to wear it, or not, as you choose. For my brother, that lack of choice cost him his life.
Although I respect your point and this is a very good piece, by the way, it can (and does) go both ways. My brother died because of his helmet. He would have lived, but it crushed his skull. Sorry to be so blunt, but no other way to put it. My sis and her biker friends believe that because a helmet can either cause or prevent injury, it should be a choice, not a mandate in either direction.
Wearing a helmet on a motorcycle is like wearing a seat belt in a car -- it's the smart thing to do!
Nicely done.
Here in Arkansas we do not have helmet laws. Personally, I think if you ride without one you are an idiot.
This should be a no-brainer!