Pennsylvania MC Helmet Laws

[Glennm27]

I have been astounded recently at just how many motorcyclits I've seen NOT wearing helmets. I know the PA Law now leaves that decision up to the rider, BUT why in God's name would anyone ride a motorcycle without a helmet? Do these people really need someone to MAKE them protect themselves?
I guess I am really wondering, Is it just me? I really haven't heard many people mention this anywhere, but I see these people daily riding without helmets.

I personally think it's crazy and foolish to ride without that protection.

What do you guys think?

I should also let you know, I love Harley's and hope to own one someday. A Heritage Softtail or Fatboy for that matter. I have nothing at all against bikes, I am a big fan.

Is it just me being old fashioned, or are there others that agree that riding without a helmet is crazy??

[Tony B.96LT4]

Here in this part of PA where the traffic and some drivers are terrible I wouldn't feel comfortable riding without a helmet, however in a less densely populated area riding without a skidlid would be great! It's surprising how much you can't hear with a helmet on.

[Bill Burkholder]

I think that at a low speed crash/ fall a helmet will help you but at high speeds or running into the side of a SUV pulling out in front of you nothing is going to help. I've been riding for over 30 years and still ride my HD and I'm still not sure which side of the argument is right ......BUT we now have a choice. Most of the American bike riders have been wearing NON D.O.T. approved helmets for years now and they are NO better than no helmet at all. You can tell these helmets by the small size and cheap plastic they're made of. ($39.95) I still wear mine but I have a C.H.I.P. style DOT /Snell 90 approved half helmet ($169.00).

[hcvone]

If I am cruising in upper Bucks or upper Montco I will take my helmet off, but around here I wear it due to the high traffic in the area. It's a personal choice and as Bill said most people do not spend the money to get a "real" helmet anyway, I have a helmet from a company that makes F1 helmets, it costs almost 1000 dollars and offers unmatched protection, but there are just some days when I am driving in areas without much traffic that I like being able to drive without a helmet........, stupid, probably but I like the feeling it gives me. JMO

[PeteB]

I live in a very sparsely populated area, so every once in a while I'll jump on the bike without the helmet for a local ride. But I'll wear a helmet if I'm going anywhere else.
It is hard to describe the feeling of freedom without the hat...takes me back to my first experiences on motorcyles before the helmet law.

Pete

[Stephen DeFazio]

You can ride a bike with out a helmet I think that is OK. But we still have to have a seat belt on in a car. That is what I cant get.

[C5pilot]

I think we'll see some changes in attitude as soon as the first injured person goes to court and it is proven that he/she would not have been seriously injured if a helmet was worn. You'll have a person who can't work or support a family because of his/her choice.

If you were an insurance company, wouldn't you ultimately make it your own rule?

Little or no settlements = financially devistated families = families that insist loved ones & bread winners wear helmets at all times = just the way it was before.

[Stephen DeFazio]

They are saying that now with no helmet they will die and the INS Co. will not have to pay doctor bills and hospital bills.

[Dennis Trayes]

There allready was a woman killed in this area from Lower Salford. She was a passenger on her husband's bike and he ran off the road.

[Mike Campbell]

Believe me, I'll never understand what some people do. And let's face it, you'll get a big fat fine if you're dumb enough not to wear a seatbelt yet these bozos figure they're invincible?!? ;tt Go figure....:rolleyes:

[Glennm27]

Thanks for the responses. Some very interesting views here and somethings I never knew. ie: that many helmets worn are just about as good as no helmet at all. :rolleyes:

The view on seat belts being mandatory and helmets not is really an issue to be debated also.

Thanks guys. Very interesting stuff here.......