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Instead of telling them that a helmet is optional  the default situation in most states  tell them a standard license comes with the requirement to wear a helmet.
If a libertarian cyclist objected, he could apply for a special license to ride without a helmet (along with a decal for the motorcycle so the police wouldn't stop him). He'd have to provide proof that he carried enough insurance to cover the costs of an accident so that taxpayers wouldn't get stuck with the bill. And he'd have to learn about the risks, perhaps by attending a short class or watching a video of it on his home computer.
This is a brilliant solution! It addresses the libertarian concerns about government intrusion, and also my economic concerns.
I might also add that purchasing a "NO Helmet Required" sticker would require the payment of a one-time tax that would go into a fund that would be used to educate the general public about being alert for motorcyclists.
Instead of telling them that a helmet is optional  the default situation in most states  tell them a standard license comes with the requirement to wear a helmet.
If a libertarian cyclist objected, he could apply for a special license to ride without a helmet (along with a decal for the motorcycle so the police wouldn't stop him). He'd have to provide proof that he carried enough insurance to cover the costs of an accident so that taxpayers wouldn't get stuck with the bill. And he'd have to learn about the risks, perhaps by attending a short class or watching a video of it on his home computer.
This is a brilliant solution! It addresses the libertarian concerns about government intrusion, and also my economic concerns.
I might also add that purchasing a "NO Helmet Required" sticker would require the payment of a one-time tax that would go into a fund that would be used to educate the general public about being alert for motorcyclists.
Let's go a bit further with this "one time tax" scheme:
1). One time tax on motorists (OTT) who use a cellphone, or any other distraction while driving.
2). OTT on uninsured or underinsured teenage drivers. (NHTSA sez motor vehicle crash is the leading cause of death for 15-21 age crowd).
3). OTT on the *old farts* who can't see well enough to drive safely.
4). OTT on owners of gas guzzling SUV's.
Above drivers would be required to installed a bumper sticker that read: "I'M A DUMB DRIVER"
Have your medical insurance costs declined in the same time frame?
Ed,
It seems like you are trying to avoid the reality of how premiums are determined. There are many factors that affect my medical premiums, such as the increase in AIDS, the increased incidence of premature births, etc. I am just saying that, all other things being equal, more smashed mellons will lead to higher medical premiums for the rest of us. The key point is that your decision to not wear a helmet affects other people. You are not making it in isolation. That is the reality of how insurance works in our country
Sorry, but still haven't given me *proof* that motorcyclists who ride without wearing a helmet drive up insurance rates. (Of course, there are Insurance firms who would like you to believe that)
A few days ago I had a phone conversation with my former Dairyland Insurance Agent in Pennsylvania. He told me that Dairyland's motorcycle insurance premiums for my age group, with my riding experience, have not increased since Pennsylvania modified their helmet law. Same rate as in 2003, he told me.
AFA any increases in medical insurance, what with the incompetence among medical practioners, sloppy hospital hygiene and cases of Medicare/Medicad fraud, all of which can ultimately result in costly litigation....yes I could see a need for higher medical expenses for us all.......
