Helmet law may be repealed in N.C.

Yup. It looks like it will pass the state legislature. Saw it in the paper this morning. Riders 18 and under will still have to wear them.

According to statistics, the vast number of crashes are in the lower age group. Personally, I don't think the governrment should be involved at all, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.

Here in Fl. I think the age is 20. Anyone else is able to ride without a bucket IF they have medical ins.. Of course people don't obey that part of the law. I feel mixed. I stand against laws but allways wear a helmet and wont passenger anyone unless they wear one. 'protecting myself from lawsuits. Dieing isn't the problem. Getting parrilised from a head injuiry which MAY have been prevented is the reason.JMO

I've read somewhere that helmets break necks at high speeds. So a guy's head may be intact, but he dies from a broken neck. Either way, I will not wear one if the law passes. Personal choice, as it should be. It's like making kids wear all that protective gear when all they want to do is go for a bike ride or go skating. Remember when we were kids? We went out and took our chances and I think I can safely say that most of us survived the bumps, bruises and lacerations we got.

Another point that I think is valid, is that people tend to get more reckless when they are "protected" by helmets, seat belts air bags and such. So I think I will be a bit more cautious not wearing a helmet and enjoy unlimited visibility and freedom. JMHO.

I kind of have mixed feelings about the helmet laws. I live in Indiana and we have the 18 and under law, or maybe it is passengers under 16, don't really remember. But my point is, I don't like to HAVE to wear one, I travel in states that require it, N.C. for one. But on the other hand, when I had my wreck last year, I feel that had I not been wearing one, I would not still be here today. So, I almost always wear one but don't like the fact that there are laws stating that I must.

The more I've learned about head injuries the the more "I" believe in helmets. Not effective at high speeds'I know' but going around town and in parking lots is where the preventable head injuries mostly occur. A friend of mine got hit at very low speed by a car(in a parking lot),He's been in a coma for just over a year now. Who wants to be such a burden on their family? Five times as many people get killed on bicycles than motorcycles every year so I think we were lucky. I strongly think kids on bikes should wear helmets. Remember there is so much more traffic nowadays,add the cellphone factor in and the chances go WAY up over what they were when we where kids. Again JMO.

I think a case like that is the exception rather than the rule. I don't know what the numbers are, but I'm sure the vast majority of riders never have 'serious' accidents. And fewer still are fatalities. Especially among guys our age. I'll take my chances. If I die riding, so be it. If I end up in a coma, Mac the Wife has instructions to pull the plug. I know she would, too. LOL.

Actually the death rate of riders over 40 has risen dramatically....there are factors why though....one being there are a lot more riders in that age group now and a lot of them have just returned to riding after a number of years away from it and another is there are lot more brand new riders in the over 40 age group...

First, I don't like it being a law... so I am against the law

Second, I worry insurance will go up if helmets can come off

Third, I once went down at a relatively low speed in a sharp curve on gravel... helmet on, was split from vent to vent in back, would have been my head... did get my attention, even though long time ago, I remember... so I wear a helmet and will continue to ... personal choice

Fourth, daughter is Doctor of Physical Therapy in Orlando. She specializes in neuro... ie strokes, head injuries, etc. Quite large part of her clientele are MC head injuries without helmet... guess she gets to my thoughts with what she sees.

So, do away with law and each choose as they see fit...

Yeah, and it is a different world out there now with cell phones and a lot of people on drugs, legal and illegal. And just plain out and out idiots who shouldn't even be allowed to have an operators license, 4 wheels or 2. And also a lot more riders, like myself, who have come back to riding after a long time. It's been a 40 year gap for me.

I ride now like I did back then - pretty conservatively - no hot rodding or speeding. I'll be 70 in October, but I keep myself in good condition - no health issues so far.

Not having a front brake, nor a helmet does increase the odds for injury or death. I accept those risks. Just getting on a motorcycle is a big risk. So is driving a cage. So is flying. So is crossing a busy intersection. So far, I've been blessed.

No new news yet on the helmet law.

I think you're right about the insurance going up - how much is anybody's guess. Good point about your daughter, too. And the accident you had. The main thing I don't like about helmets is the added weight on my head. I also get a strangling sensation when I'm riding. If the dang thing isn't strapped on tight enough it tends to "float" at highway speeds. Very uncomfortable no matter how I adjust it. Same thing with the beanie or the 3/4.

If I've been riding any respectable length of time, especially on a windy day, my neck gets sore. Be interesting to see how the neck does without the added weight and wind drag of a helmet.

You can tighten a loose one up easily by adding foam under the band liner. Too loose is no good,sails up and wiggles while riding. My problem is getting one big enough for my fat head, need 3x. Anyone knowing of their availlabillity, let me know. i've been all over the web,can't find one. Last time I found one was 3 yrs ago and time for a new one.

I have a buddy with a head that size too...I just gave him the box my helmet came in :roflmao:

Thx. Ha Ha

Just yanking yer chain charlie...he has a real hard time finding a decent bucket in 3XL too...I just tell him if he'd round the corners off his head he might get down to 2XL...

If I offended you with that comment Charlie,I apologize....

Anyone find any half helmets in 3X...I know my pal doesn't want a full face.....