ber (12/15/82)
#N:harpo:7000003:000:604 harpo!ber Dec 15 13:57:00 1982 I phoned the AMA (614) 891-2425. They were very nice and read me the folowing list. They are also sending me a chart of states and requirements concerning helmets, lights, reflectors, etc, etc... The following states do not require helmets for motocycle riders: California Colorado Conneticut Illinois Indiana Iowa Nebraska Rhode Island Washington The following states do not require helmets for riders over age 18: Alaska Arizona Kansas Idaho Hawaii Maryland New Hampshire New Mexico Oregon North Dakato Oklahoma Ohio Minnesota Utah Wisconsin South Dakota Texas Montana brian redman
lrd (12/16/82)
It is interesting to note that since the repeal of Illinois' helmet law, the number of fatalities per 10,000 motorcyclists had DECREASED! I'll wait until the dust settles... OK -- why? Illinois was receiving federal 402 highway funds. A requirement, from the feds, was that the state have a helmet law. When the anti- helmet faction succeded in getting the helmet law repealed, the state did not want these 402 funds reduced. Negotiations were con- ducted, the result being that Illinois would not suffer a decrease in 402 funds if the state provided free motorcycle safety instruction in lieu of the helmet law. These classes, available to all Illinois residents at no charge, provide 8 hours of classroom instruction (including one full period on protective equipment -- helmets, etc.) and 12 hours of riding instruction on motorcycles that are provided by the program. Helmets are, of course, provided for the students. The bottom line is that we (the Illinois Motorcycle Safety Program, for which I am an instructor) are turning out thousands of graduates each year; motorcyclists who are better qualified for survival, who understand the value of helmets, and who use helmets by choice, rather than by mandate. Anti-helmet law factions who cite the decrease in fatalities since repeal of the helmet law conveniently ignore the above; no statistic should be taken at face value without a look at the causative factors! The 1983 schedule for these free courses, both for beginning and experienced riders, based on Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses, should be available for the northeastern portion of the state sometime in February. I'll post information as soon as I get my advance copy. I hope to see all you net.bikers at one of the "RideSafe" (for experienced riders), and the net.would-be.bikers at the MRC (for beginners, but you experienced types can pick up a few pointers) courses in the spring. L. R. DuBroff BTL -- Naperville, Illinois
avie (12/16/82)
I just read the list of states not requiring helmets. It seems to be in error as Maine also does not require helmets. Avadis Tevanian, Jr. seismo!rochester!avie