Michigan Votes Forum

 I am a registered nurse and a motorcycle rider and I am absolutely appalled by the introduction of this legislation again.  We have a law that is working to reduce injuries and save lives and set a standard for safety nationwide.  Helmets save lives and if you look at the research it is clear that other states that have repealed their helmet laws have seen an  increase in deaths and injuries.  At a time when folks are riding more because of the economy it is no time to sacrifice safety.

 I am an American that blieves in freeedom of choice.

Great Bill!  No additional discriminitory fees (taxes).

I believe in freedom of choice, and personal responsibility. Pass this bill with an amendment requiring those who choose to ride helmetless have a minimum amount of health insurance to cover catastrophic brain injury.

 It's not about saving lives - it's about FREEDOM!  And, it is not clear that other states that have repealed their helmet laws have seen an increase in deaths and injuries - as a percentage of riders.  Of course the numbers are higher, but that is due to the increased numbers of folks riding.  Some data shows that the percentage of injuries/deaths actually goes down.

We can talk all day and toss numbers back and forth, but that is clearly not the point.  The point is that the state does not have the right nor the responsibility to protect me from myself...period.  Riding is dangerous helmet or not, if I crash and die, that is my choice, not the state's.

FREEDOM!

I agree with rabidog, the state should not pass laws protecting someone from themselves. But they should pass laws protecting people from someone else's carelessness. To protect us all from the extra cost of medical treatment required for traumatic brain injuries, those who choose to ride helmetless should carry insurance enough to take care of their medical needs. Freedom has a price.

 I agree with this bill and I hope this passes.  It is not the responsibility of the state to save me from myself.  I would like to see this bill get signed into law, but I would also like to see this same logic used with the seat belt mandate.  I do not think we should be required by law to wear seat belts either.  I would love to see that bill intoduced and passed.

 While we're at it can we get a muffler law passed on motorcycles?  They are just too damned loud. And the people that ride them seem to take pleasure in the racket they generate. You can hear them a mile away.