Posted on 02/04/2005 8:21:40 PM PST by FoxInSocks
RICHMOND, Va. - It's been a tough day for highway safety advocates at the Virginia General Assembly.
The House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee endorsed legislation allowing motorcyclists 21 and older to ride without a helmet. The vote was 12-to-7.
The panel also rejected a series of bills to continue the use of photo monitoring systems at dangerous intersections in six northern Virginia localities and Virginia Beach. Those pilot programs allow police to use cameras to catch drivers who run red lights.
The programs are scheduled to expire July 1.
Another bill rejected by the committee would have expanded photo-red statewide.
The motorcycle helmet bill will be up for a vote on the House floor early next week. Similar bills have failed on close votes on the House floor three years in a row.
The public's safety is not enhanced by seatbelt or helmet laws. The individual's safety is what is enhanced.
Again, I think only a fool would ride a motorcycle without a helmet (and leathers), or ride in an automobile without a seatbelt, or ride in a boat without a flotation device - but it should be the (adult) individual's choice to make.
How about skydiving, bungie-jumping, spelunking, scuba diving.... and I could go on for hours.... should the government be endlessly involved in the enforcement of safety in these inherently dangerous activities too?
it should be the (adult) individual's choice to make
It is the individual's choice to make... if you're willing to break the law and drive without a seat belt, go right ahead. I hope you don't get in an accident...
How about skydiving, bungie-jumping, spelunking, scuba diving....
As long as they're done on private property, I don't think the state can really do much to enforce laws on those. Of course, the FAA could regulate skydiving if it wanted to...
"It is not the governments place to tell people that they have to wear a helmet...if you dont than it is your own damn fault"
But your insurance company may have a say in that though. Just like they will not insure certain types of motorcycles, or you pay a high premium to have one insured. I can see the same thing happening with the helmet laws.
I concur. Of course there are more cars on the road, hence more money is spent treating car injuries/deaths than motorcycle injuries and deaths. And, of course the gov't can't protect everyone, but I can see in the not too distant future that helmet laws in cars could happen.
But as always it will be for our own good.
Umm I have to disagree with you on that count buddy. I've crashed three times at speeds over 50mph. Twice on mountain roads. I walked away both times. Of course the bikes had some damage, but I was physically unharmed.
The third time was at a racetrack when I had a mechanical at close to 120mph. Even with full leathers and spine protector, etc, I was a bit black and blue, but again got up and walked away.
Two out of three times my bike needed only minor repairs, my body didn't need any.
I would rather die on my motorcycle than die of old age in a nursing home - if I have a choice.
HEY! YOU LEFT OUT US PASTA-BURNERS!
I ride a Ducati, and wouldn't trade it for (almost) anything in the world!
(almost refers to the MV Agusta!)
And when we go down that slippery slope where do we stop?
There is no "slippery slope".
You are correct.
I was a cafe road racer back before bikes came that way....think Dick Mann-Kenny Roberts-Jay Springsteen days of lore.
My Shoie cans saved my life multiple times from my first H2 then my Z-1 then GS1100RS then my last a triple bored oversize GPZ.
Any fool rides a Hayabusa or the like without a can is plain stupid.
But Hog paraders should be able to butter the pavement with their grey matter as they wish but not on my dime. I'll give em that for sure.
I did not know that Indian Larry story...damn....I rememeber seeing him not long ago on some show.
and yes....all motorcyclists should carry large caliber wheelguns on the tank bag or elsewhere ....best thing to ward off aggressive car drivers I've found.
"I bet there is an ABATE in that state!"
Sure as "heck" hope so.
Clearly, you don't ride!
No offense intended by leaving out an offensive remark about spagetti burners Sarge!
PS-Thank you for your service.
Smokers do pay higher rates as does anyone exposed to war, motorcycles, sky diving, hang gliding, private pilot etc.
At least my term life policies all have that....along with no suicide pay out for 2 years from purchase.
"But I also think that the insurance companies should be able to have tiered policies. You should have to buy a non-helmet or non-seatbelt policy if that is the way you want to go. If you get into an accident without the helmet, and you haven't paid the high premiums, they should be able to refuse payments."
The "burden on society" was only the brain washing technique
that was used to march the masses into socialism, by the
big brother is watching out for you crowd. Insurance goes up with or without helmets or seatbelts.
I do not know any rider who has not crashed...not one.
If you are that....pleased to meet ya.
"I do not know any rider who has not crashed...not one."
I used to be one...
If you wreck a bike at 50 mph, you are gonna die regardless of you helmet status."
BS. I dumped a Kaw 500 at 85 and walked away from it.
"How do you like paying taxes for their medical bills?"
About as much as I like supporting able bodied lazy welfare
recipients. LET THOSE THAT RIDE DECIDE
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