Governor Vetoes Helmet Bill

Deukmejian would not sign the bill yet he claims to be very concerned about the excessive expense incurred by the state, its residents, and private hospitals in their support of both critical and long-term care for accident victims.

Surely he cannot be aware of how many motorcyclists become heavy burdens on others because they have no personal resources to pay for the care they are given.

The helmet law was based on the same legal concepts that created and upheld the mandatory seat-belt law. The state does indeed have the power to legislate for the common good. Motorcyclists do not take risks unilaterally when they ride without helmets, but rather infringe on the rights of others who must pay heavily for their medical bills.

I have ridden motorcycles and thus know very well that every single cyclist has at one time or another experienced extreme fright when on the verge of an accident or fall. Not many things are sadder than the unnecessary loss and/or handicapping of so many lives.

I am most disappointed with Deukmejian.

JOHN J. SCHILLER

Whittier