Posted in Eclectic Me

I cam across this article today.  Usually I can follow Paul Jacob's logic through an article, but I am not so sure on this one.  I completely agree that there is much left unsaid when statistics are used in proving a point.  However, this had me baffled.

He mentions that when he plugs the numbers into a spreadsheet, it shows a 23% decrease in deaths of helmeted motorcyclists.  Then he goes on to say that this is due to people being given the choice to wear helmets.  Huh?  The article also mentions the huge increase of people riding motorcycles since the helmet repeal law. 

Let me just say, that I find it very irresponsible for anyone on a motorcycle to not wear a helmet.  What is your hair not going to look good if you wear one?  Why on earth would someone risk their life for lack of a silly helmet.  This is the same as not wearing a seat belt in my opinion.  Yes, some people may have injury or even death due to a seat belt or faulty one, but weigh that against the thousands of lives saved them, and its easy to see why its important.  Funny, that we have to have a law for people to think their lives are important enough to save. 

Anyway, we see many motorcyclists in our area.  It seems the numbers have increased since the rise in gas.  Most do not wear helmets...even adults with children on the back.  There are attorneys here who bnase their advertising on lawsuits for the motorcyclist, remarking that vehicle drivers are ir-responsible and deliberately drive with intent to injure those who chose choppers.  Well, I am here to say folks, if I had a penny (yes I said a penny) for every time I am on the road and am passed illegally and very quickly by a motorcyclist...most commonly unhelmeted, I would be the next big philanthropist!  A day doesn't go by when we are blown by cyclists who are weaving in and out of traffic on local roads, main roads, and the highway.  These drivers use the shoulders and go between cars when there is a traffic jam.  One has to wonder why they would drive so recklessly and then not choose a helmet.  Perhaps, it's part of the thrill. 

What I know is this, we have many friends who are chopper hounds.  They love their cycles and drive responsibly.  These are the people I want my children to use as a model for this mode of transportation.  However, the reckless crew seems to be the most prominantly displayed out there on the roads.  Gosh guys, spend the extra $100 and save your brain!

These are my thoughts.