Interesting observation. A few years ago, and I don't remember if it was the entire state or just a corporate entity, but somewhere in California they passed a mandatory bicycle helmet law. Of course the legislation was in response to a 'mother' whose child had been severely hurt riding a bicycle without one. Later it was revealed her whole campaign was being financed by insurance companies and a helmet manufacturer. What was the result? A year later studies showed that more young kids were suffering severe head injuries from other kids trying to rip the helmets off their heads because their parents couldn't afford to buy them one and they couldn't afford to pay the fine if they were caught riding without one. Would I wear a helmet? Yep. I've dropped every motorcycle I ever got on. But that should be my choice based on my circumstance.
Agree it should be your choice. How about kids wearing helmets while sledding. Where does it end.