Absolutely! EVERYONE no matter what age, driver or passenger everyone riding a motorcycle should be forced to wear helmets. Why wouldn't they? We have to wear seatbelts while riding in cars. Everyone needs to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Motorcyclists ride at extensive speeds and should they crash they will die. I vote YES on re-thinking of our helmet law.

I agree! No dogs on laps of a driver in a car but no helmet? Where is the logic? A person with a helmet has a greater success of less brain injury <life time I might add> and who is paying their long term stay in nursing homes? The tax payers!

I think, if you don't own a Motorcycle or have a license to ride a Motorcycle your vote doesn't count. An argument could be made for not having to wear a helmet if you're an organ donor. You would save more lives if you died.

PC, that's rubbish. Data driven facts: The data continue to prove that motorcycle helmet laws save lives. Government & privately conducted studies support effectiveness of helmets and the impact of laws reduce the number of serious injuries & fatalities. Results:
NHTSA estimates that in 1996 helmets saved 490 motorcyclists’ lives. If all motorcyclists in all 50 states & District of Columbia had worn a helmet, that number would have been 769.
NHTSA estimates that from 1984-1996 helmets saved the lives of 7,940 motorcyclists. If all motorcyclists in all 50 states and the District of Columbia had worn a helmet during that time, number of lives saved: 14,505.
Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data: helmets are 29% effective in reducing fatalities in motorcycle crashes.
A study completed at the University California - Los Angeles (UCLA) determined that statewide motorcycle fatalities declined 40.3% from 1991, before the California motorcycle helmet law for all riders was in effect, to 1993, the 2nd full year that California’s law was in effect: 239 lives were saved over the same period due to law.
Study revealed that 24 out of 26 states that repealed their universal helmet laws experienced an average 25% increase in fatalities.
The death rate for motorcyclists rose 61% the year following Kansas’ repeal of its universal helmet law.
A privately conducted study reported a 40% increase in fatally injured motorcyclists in states repealing their universal helmet laws.

http://www.savemolives.com/programs/documents/UCLAHelmetLawStudy.pdf

@Suzanne, there is no logic...and they said that Dog Bill was already on the books! I researched it before we put it in, and we couldn't find it. No one seemed to feel it existed, but they are aware of it now - LOL! I know many motorcyclists that have been whacked because of distracted drivers.

Point above, my 10 year old pedals a lot slower on his bicycle and he's always saying how 'dumb' it is when motorcyclists don't wear theirs because they drive so fast. He says they don't sound smart. When you hear comments like, well...you don't have one so POOF, you can't comment is ridiculous. I care about your safety and you should just wear a helmet and be part of the solution, instead of the statistics.

I agree helmets should be worn, especially because of the non motorcycle drivers that don't want to share the roads with the motorcyclists. The ones that cause the accidents, especially the ones that like to hit motorcyclists, are at fault and get away with it. My husband is lucky to be alive.

Not only should they be forced to wear helmets, they should also be fined for modifying their exhausts, which causes the bikes to make excessive noice. This simple measure would allow the rest of the inhabitants in RI to enjoy their summer weekends without having to listen to motorbikes roaring along our roads.

Shocked that you would give up that freedom so willingly to the dictators.

"Motorcycle crashes killed 4,502 people in 2010. In Rhode Island " 20 people per day during the driving season ? Absurd ! Site your sources...

Nationally, 4,502 people.

It seems to me that if this were a matter of safety statistics that motorcycles themselves, and cars as well, would be banned in favor of busses. This is a matter of individual freedom.

I won't ride a motorcycle with or without a helmet since it's too dangerous for ME. But that's my choice. If you choose to not wear one - that's your choice.

I can't even choose what size of Coka Cola I want to drink in NYC.

You've all chosen to give away someone else's freedom to provide them with illusory safety.

If the government is so concerned about the health of its Citizens I think their witch hunt should begin at the top of the death chain with the tobacco companies. Tobacco related deathes reached almost 500 thousand in the US last year and cost taxpayers 157 billion last year alone!

Tobacco Lobbyiests must be paying lawmaker handsomely to turn their heads on the facts. while healtcare reps must be throwing their 2 cents about their rising expenses due to the helmet issue.

Bottom line here people is the Government cares more about your money then it does about you. Why would anybody enable the Government to regulate your personal freedoms? are they not disapearing fast enough already?

Let those who ride decide!

If you don't want to wear a helmet, you should not be forced to. BUT should you suffer extensive head injuries due to your stupidity, the insurance company shoud not be required to pay your medical bills.

you can choose how big a soda you want in NY. If you drink it and want more, buy another one. the law is stupid.
What if i hit a motorcycle and the person dies because they're not wearing a helmet? I don't want to kill anyone. My aunt had a severe head injury from a motorcycle accident. It has affected her entire life. I think all riders should wear a helmet.

There is the issue of personal freedom here but that also has to be balanced with society's interests. If you choose not to wear a helmet and you are injured or disabled more often than not you will have to rely on the government for your care, unfortunately. As other people have pointed out that's why we have selt belt laws and the like.

Perhaps the law could be amended to preserve personal freedom? If you're in a motorcycle accident and not wearing a helmet then you become ineligible to receive tax payer funded services. Motorcyclists still have their freedom and tax payers are off the hook to a certain extent.

No one should be "forced".Your safety is your responsibility.If it's about money,well,i'm going to say it's about freedom.Or,have we lost that concept?

If i have to wear a seatbelt when i am surrounded by airbags that will save me then why dont they have to wear a helmet. I dont have the coice of a seatbelt or not.

I say we copy FL state law, If you have heath insurance you don't have to wear one. If not you do. Personally I would rather not wear one. Its a personal choice, but I'd rather be dead than a vegetable on life support.

When you lose a close friend, who was not wearing a helmet when a car hit him at a low rate of speed, it seems obvious to me that wearing a helmet should be the law. If he had been wearing a helmet on that day, he would still be here with us.

I think its amazing how many people WANT to live in a nanny state. Do you really think a politician need to tell you how to live your life? If I want to be a jerk and ride without a helmet, what business is it of yours when it doesn't affect you?? It would only affect me and my broken skull. Dont get into the health costs either if your not willing to do the math of those 37% that die and have paid into the system for years upon end that now will never make another claim against the health insurance system. This is all about revenue generation by the state. Just like the seatbelt law, they want to write a ticket. If they really cared about the health and well being of the citizenry, they would ban tobacco and alcohol. Why dont they do that? Oh right, because the state pulls in billions over the years on the taxes. Could you imagine the impact if those taxes went away? What kills more people, cigarettes or helmet-less riders? But, you cant ticket a cigarette.....

I think its a matter of freedom of choice which every time we turn around its taken from us more and more, i think seatbelts should be to unless under age,and why is it school busses dont have seatbelts hmm

As an avid motorcyclist, it should be the riders decision, I know the risk, however, try to make better decisions on how I ride, and I don't drink and drive my motorcycle. I believe there are many reasons besides helmets for motorcycle crashes, most of them are bad decisions, due to inexperience. I know when I ride anything can happen, helmet or no helmet.

As a former rider who has worn and not worn a helmet, I don't think any non-rider's vote should count.

Why do we as a society feel that we need to dictate to others what they can and cannot do?

This is a personal choice. Motorcyclist well know the the risk involved with riding; with, or without a helmet.

I don't have a motorcycle. I never will either because the public roadways are in high abundance of degenerate motorist'. With my luck, I would survive a motorcycle accident because I was wearing my helmet, but would be paralyzed from the neck down. Personally, I'd rather just expire on the streets and let 10+ people benefit from receiving my organs. Why? because it's my choice.

Mind your own business people.....

This a part of the problem, Newport county is about to get ripped off big time and were discussing helmet laws?Who cares wear it or don't i agree, let the state steal money by tolling my, my kids their kids, Paiva Weed bagged this whole county along with 6 other culprits, Where are they?

No. We should be taking laws off the books instead of adding new ones.

My question is how many people die of head injuries in car accidents? Maybe they should put in a helmet law that all car drivers and passangers have to wear a helmet. Or make another stupid law that just passangers have to wear a helmet in a car. I voted to keep the present helmet law. However I do feel it should be changed to include the passanger. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by car drivers. Maybe anyone who doesn't ride a motorcycle should have to take a course on motorcycle awearness. I do and don't wear a helmet. My helmet cost $250. The reason we fought to have the law repelled was because not all helmets were safe along with it being our choice to wear one. Today I see many people in other states that have helmet laws wearing novalty helmets. If they vote on a new helmet law in this state many riders will opt for one of these helmets. They don't protect you. They are for show only at $30. As for loud exhaust my exhaust is stock on my bike. However any one who puts a loud exhaust on their bike I don't blame them. We have a better chance of not being hit by a car if they can hear us. For the record 6 times I almost got hit on my bike this year. All by car drivers talking on their cell phones. To me a law banning cell phone use is much more important then having a helmet law. I also will admit that these people who ride rice rockets give motorcycling a bad name.

Lorraine F - thanks for responding to my comment. I know you feel I'm basically an immature child because I disagree with your stance on motorcycle helmets, but that's ok.

Maybe you could furnish us with some backed up data pertaining to motorcycle accident victims, and their burden on the state? Is there a motorcycle accident ward at Eleanor Slater hospital I dont know about? (Eleanor Slater is one of the state run hospitals near the aci just do you know)

Since you, and a bunch of other patchers have molded this into a tax dollars argument, wouldn't it be more feasible if people didn't wear helmets? Helmets save lives right?

No helmets! Just let nature do it's work, survival of the fittest. Frankly we could use a few less idiots in this country.That crap about the loud exhaust is so that cars can hear them is just another pathetic excuse...

21% of the workforce is disabled. Most are from preventable accidents or irresponsible lifestyles. I don't think the Founding Fathers had envisioned this future for the America that they bled for.

But yes, by not wearing a helmet, you are exercising your personal freedom. You are also free to be a fat slob, a lousy parent, and a useless drunk. Congratulations.

With regard to the cigarette argument: the current generation made deals with the cigarette companies that prevent my generation from taking any action against them in the future. Thanks for that.

15% of that that 21% make up 80 % of the posters on this site and listeners to Larry.

Get educated. http://www.ghsa.org/html/publications/pdf/spotlights/spotlight_motorcycles12.5.pdf

EF, great web site. People have a right to do as they please but at least they sould know the facts. Lets hope you may have helped one rider to think about it. Thanks

I think it should be a rider's choice. Instead of contimplating whether or not to wear a helmet, consider becoming an organ donor.

Way more money for health care is spent on illegals than bikers who were hurt in accidents. I for one will never surrender my rights as a free American and a proud vet who fought for my country. Let those who ride DECIDE, Nick D proud RIMA member.

Let those of us who ride decide. Had a few close calls mainly due to the cager being on their cell phone.

Maybe half of this debate could end if the law would pass seat belts for bike riders . Now my other solution is to pass a law on auto riders to wear helmets. Now is everyone happy!

Ready to drink the cool-aide I see? Figures lie and liars figure. $12 billion a year? First, they failed to mention 'which' year. Second, how is $$$ lost due to medical care and productivity loss? The healthcare system is one big racket, and will make $$$ on any motorcycle injury. Second, we have seen steady unemployment since the beginning of the financial crisis in 2008.....plenty of folks available to take your place. The only loss would be the week it takes to learn your job.
Getting back to the numbers......percentage wise there are more motorcyclists on the road every year. We can thank popular TV shows like OCC, SOA, etc for that. You'll find that proportionately the number of fatalities is close to what it always has been.
It is indeed a different riding environment out there now than it was in 1975 when I first got my motorcycle license here in RI. More traffic, driving faster, distracted, older, etc.
There are many personal reasons for not wearing one. It has gotten to the point that many refuse to wear one to express their freedom. Freedom from laws placed on us by those who do not understand. Back in the mid 70's the Rhode Island Motorcycle Association stood up against the State legislation, and RI became the first state in the country to repeal the helmet law. It's all about Freedom. Got Freedom?
Big John, RIMA Member #350.

I see 42 of the above voters don't ride. Just curious how many of the above feel about the seatbelt law? Great job enabling big goverment to become bigger. Heres a thought for you all! How would you feel about a 12oz limit on Dunkin Dounuts Coffee? That stuff is full of fat,calories and caffine! Very bad for you! Its diffrent when it effects you personally isn't it?

Nobody really limits the amount of soda you can drink. It is probably a money making scam. If you want larger amounts of soda you have to buy two or three cups.

Everyday we lose our rights little by litte. From seat belt laws to banning large sodas. How far will we let them choose for us. My husband was in a terrible motorcycle accident last year. He still chooses not to wear a helmit. I choose not to wear a helmet. We know the consequences of our decision. Those who do not ride have no right to weigh in. Maybe everyone should take a motorcycle course to become more aware of the motorcycles that are around them. But you wouldn't like that, that would be someone else making a decision for you to do something you don't want to do.

"Let those who ride decide"~RIMA

Karin Gorman
Candidate- State Representative District 43
RI Motorcycle Association Member # 3733

Got pulled over yesterday for not wearing a seat belt,in truth,i had it under my arm.After i stopped i unhooked it to get at my registration in the glove compartment not knowing what i was being pulled over for.Result:no ticket.My point:don't harrass me,period.

I love when I see these articles about having compulsory helmet laws or seat belt laws on the books. Talk about losing your personal rights and freedoms.
RI had a compulsory helmet law on the books many years ago and it was the bikers that rose up and forced it off the books. Why? Personal choice. Motorcycle drivers go through a more extensive training than regular automobile drivers to obtain a license. I am also a motorcyclist and went through a defensive driving course. Why? To watch out for the errant drivers who don’t pay attention to the rules of the road. The number one cause of biker crashes is left turns, where drivers don’t see the biker making that left turn at a signal. Bikers are more prone to injury from a side hit from a car!
Regarding helmets for passengers, absolutely.....because the passenger is dependent upon the driver for controlling the bike. If there is an accident, the passenger is protected.

Regarding the recently reduced seat belt law, again, more big brother legislation. What people are missing with this “feel good” piece of legislation is that the state received over $4 Million dollars if the state passed that seat belt law with the $85/person penalty for non-compliance. The driver is once again be forced to buckle up - where is the personal choice? Law enforcement didn’t help their cause with the “Click-it-or-ticket” campaign as the leadership of the state police was quoted as saying “the law is expiring soon, shoot as many fish in that barrel as you can.” The resulting roadside checkpoints only angered the motorists. These laws, while they may promote public safety, turn law enforcement personnel into revenue agents. There were even cases of people being ticketed for a seat belt violation when they had to remove them to get the registration out of the glove box. Do drivers have to install video cameras in their vehicles to keep law enforcement abuses in check? We all know there are bad cops out there!

Much of these laws are driven by the insurance industry through their lobbyists in Congress. Make no mistake, look at all of the laws enacted and see how your personal freedoms are being taken away. I will give you the recently enacted law in RI last year to charge a fee to salt water fish. Again, more money from the federal government and the surrendering of more of your rights and freedoms. Wake up and see what is going on around you. Perhaps if a law needs to be passed to improve highway safety, why not make mandatory driver examinations every ten years. If have to pass an eye test every five years to renew a license, why not a driving exam every ten years?

Freedom? That's the best arguement you riders can come up with? Well, here's the bad news: Driving in RI is a priviledge, not a right. and before you go all "Teaparty" on me, this has been upheld numerous times in the RI courts.

The "Freedom" that all of you seem to believe in is the absense of responsibilty.

@nimrod: It is interesting that you refer to Nazi Germany. When I came upon the state police "checkpoint" on exit 7 I-95, there were 8 state police cars with their roof lights blinding everyone. One trooper came up to me looking for my seatbelt and I told him that "Nazi Germany died in 1944 - let's get off this and let the traffic through." He walked away from me. That really ticked me off. I have to check to see if that bill to ban roadblocks ever passed in the legislature.

I think putting on a helmet is a good idea. But if you are going to use one make sure it has a rating on it by rating i mean D.O.T APPROVED SNELL a lot of people use novelty helmet's you might as well use nothing at all. There are other safety items like armor protective jacket's,pant's,boots,gloves,glasses and this could get expensive but you can't put a price on your health and life. If any one needs a hand on any items come on in and i will give a discounted price all ways ride safe Durand's Kawasaki Motorsports 147 main rd Tiverton R.I.

This issue is about choice. Freedom of choice, a concept that this country was founded on, has fought for and is the basis for our fundamental freedoms. I support the current law that places the freedom of choice in the hands of the motorcycle operator, not those who do not ride and/or think they are justified in imposing their decisions on others.

For the most part, 99% of bikers, riders and motorcyclists in Rhode Island abide by the law. Many of those use safety gear when they see fit. To advocate that a change in the law is necessary would require a showing that the current law is detrimental to the public at large. I don't see it.

Educate, don't legislate. Let thise who ride decide.

These are slogans that ring true when dealing with such issues. If you ride, then you have the choice relative to your employment of safety gear. If you do not ride, then please do not interfere with our freedom of choice.

I am a proud member of the Rhode Island Motorcycle Association.

Freedom of choice is an illusion here in RI and the vast majority of Rhode Islanders want it that way. Look at how they vote...

RI already heavily regulates motorcycles and their riders. According to the state website they are the only one to require a special motorcycle class. The state regulates safety equipment also. RIGL 31-23-57, you have to wear eye protection. There are noise restrictions on loud pipes, etc...

To all those who are against helmet laws let me ask you one yes or no question. If RI were to mandate helmet laws would it save the life of at least 1 person over the next decade?

I think everyone knows the answer to that. One life is worth it.

While I understand the risk/benefit ratio of wearing a helmet, it is a personal decision to be made by the operator and only the operator. This is not an issue that belongs in the government process. This is a case of individual choice, and the freedom to make such a choice. I have been a motorcycle operator for more than 25 years and I am experienced enough, I am old enough, and I have the ability to decide for myself whether or not wearing a helmet is right for me. Furthermore it is my belief that the state need not protect me from myself as my helmet choice poses no risk to any other individuals.

Bud Cardoso
Past President 2005 - 2012
RI Motorcycle Association

The truth is that we are all fatalities and there is nothing that the medical community can do about it. Death is a fact that we will not alter no matter how many precautuons we take.....The decisions that we make can postpone the enivatable crtainly. For me, I choose not to smoke, I don’t use illegal drugs or drink heavily. I try to exercise regularly and I eat as best I can. These are the choices that I have made to help prolong my life. I also understand that even if I eliminate all risk in life, and go into the protective bubble with the purified air and water, death will still find me. I only ask that government give me the information that I need to make informed decisions that will allow me to live. I don’t want to be protected from death.

Economics--- Less motorcycles will be sold= less sales tax to the state
Thousands of weekend riders spending thier $ in RI, both RI’ers and MA residents, If helmets required that goes to CT ( already millions going to Fxwds and moheg)
Charities have collected hudreds of thousands(if not millions) from charity rides If helmets required that means less riders less $ to the neediest groups such as Toys fo tots, march of dimes, make a wish, etc

Bud Cardoso
Past President 2005 - 2012
RI Motorcycle Association

I think passengers should have a right to choose as well. This may be a good time to submit a bill that allows passengers to choose whether or not to wear a helmet in RI. If you agree contact RI Motorcycle Association. Ask what you can do to make a difference and change the law. Join, show your support. Help repeal the passenger requirement forcing you to wear a helmet.
Nick
Member/Volunteer, Rhode Island Motorcycle Association
www.RIMotorcycle.com

Well said Bud, couldn't agree more. This state is in the tank because of over-regulation - too many laws attempting to regulate our lives. It would be interesting to see how many motorcycle shops that are still in RI vs. MA or CT. We are dead last in New England and nationally in business friendliness. Taxes are way too high, too many regulations on small business and the state spends too much money. RI has turned itself into a socialist state and this has to change. Passing more laws, such as these helmet and belt laws have been passed before and repealed. People have spoken out against them and that should put an end to it. Give the motorcyclists a break already and pass a safety course on auto drivers - see if they can pass a road test if you have to pass something!

I think soda machines should be limited to 1 per square mile and the price per can should go up to no less then 5.00 per can. (4 of which is tax) Tax to pay for hospitalized obese or diabetic patients on Medicaid.

But I also think that people should be able to choose not to wear a helmet.

Why? Because I want to be like many of you that what to be able to pick and choose what is OK to do and what is not OK for everybody… Just like the Government.

Think about it folks… Choice is precious and become an endangered species. You may get your way on the repeal some day but you may be next on the target of control.

Scott L. in Nebraska
..

Why do you think motorcycle insurance companies don't require helmets? It's cheaper for them if you are dead than if you are a vegetable. I consider motorcycles Darwinian. If you ride like an idiot and don't wear a helmet you are less likely to reproduce. Society wins.

Maybe the GA is waiting for Federal money, thats what it took to pass the seat belt law.The only time this State cares about anyones health is when they can make a buck off it.

EVERYBODY should be wearing helmets no matter what! i just got mine from 2wheelbikes dot com /bike-helmets they are great on my wallet and even better on my son's head! promote safe riding people!

Current Law is fine, quit wasting time and work on the Jobs GA and Budget.