Failure-to-yield law needed
Non-motorcyclists are concerned about motorcyclists not wearing helmets because they say, “ if I have to wear a seat belt then why don't they have to wear helmets?” You are ticketed for driving without a seatbelt because you didn't fight for your right to choose to buckle-up.
Motorcyclists have stood up for their right to choose to wear a helmet and won that right. The real concern should be for riders involved in accidents because a driver who “didn't see him/her,” pulled out in front of a motorcyclist. We have too many irresponsible drivers not looking out for motorcyclists.
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I don't agree with making more laws that takes away our personal freedoms if it does not physically harm another human being or cause property damage. We don't have laws protecting swimmers from drowning, sunbathers from cancer, smokers from lung cancer or alcoholics from liver disease. Yet, all these have killed more people than those who died not wearing a helmet. Alcohol and tobacco have caused others to die due to accidents and second hand smoke yet we still don't ban these. I don't know of one person who died because I didn't wear a helmet.
Laws are suppose to stifle criminal activity, what crime is committed by not wearing a helmet. If you are truly concerned for the safety of the motorcyclists, why not stand behind us as we seek increased fines and penalties for those who fail to yield to motorcyclists. A “failure-to-yield law” means those who cause bodily harm or death to a motorcyclist and found at fault, would face stiffer penalties. With the price of gas increasing and more people are looking at motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds as alternative transportation, we need laws to hold responsible those who injure or kill a rider.
Paul Zenkowich
York
Do all motorcyclists yield? No, they do not. End of discussion!
How does not wearing a helmet cause other people to notice you?