Federal Helmet Policy Stopped
“Safety and the Open Road’s Call” (editorial, Dec. 5), about the newly signed bill eliminating federal blackmail of states without helmet laws, tried wrongly to convince readers of the efficacy of the helmet law passed in 1991. The pro-helmet faction concludes that the helmet law is solely responsible for the reduction of motorcycle-related deaths since its passage. They then draw a parallel to the 55-mph speed limit as having done the same for motor-vehicle-related deaths. In their zeal, they have overlooked the true reality of why auto- and motorcycle-related deaths have dropped over the years.
Ridership has decreased dramatically since enactment of the helmet law, thereby causing a corresponding drop in accidents and fatalities. The riders themselves are no safer than before. Only rider education programs can accomplish that result. In the case of the 55-mph speed limit, cars and roads today are much safer than those manufactured at the time the federal speed limit was imposed. Changing societal attitudes toward drunk driving and stricter licensing requirements have also contributed toward a reduction in vehicle-related injuries and fatalities.
No one is trying to leave safety “in the rear-view mirror,” but rather, riders believe that they should be heard regarding legislation that affects them.
RICK A. DIAZ
Associate Editor, Biker
Agoura Hills
*
* I think you are missing an important factor. The reason why traffic fatalities have decreased since 1973 is due in a large part to two events. One is the closing of nearly all land to ride on within 100 miles for off-road bikers. It was about 1973 when I took a trailer full of bikes, kids and friends up to a motorcycle park in Gorman. We entered the park and were confronted with at least five officers of various legal entities. Our offense? We didn’t have green stickers on our bikes; we knew nothing about stickers being required. We hadn’t even taken the bikes off the trailer. Didn’t matter, they were illegal just sitting on the trailer. I took the bikes home, sold them and the trailer and haven’t ridden off-road since. I am just one of thousands who have done the same thing.
The other reason is the helmet law. People who think they should have the right not to wear helmets if they choose have just given up riding.
DON J. HENDERSON
Pasadena
