Helmet repeal gets new life

Friday, June 27, 1997 | 11:17 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill permitting adult motorcyclists to ride without a helmet, which died once in the Assembly Transportation Committee, has been revived and approved by the committee.

"I think there's a good chance of passage" in the Assembly, said Assemblyman Don Gustavson, R-Sun Valley, referring to the bill that was heavily amended and then approved 6-3 by the committee Thursday.

Committee Chairwoman Vonne Chowning, D-North Las Vegas, who was in the minority, has vowed to fight the measure when it comes up for a final vote. In the meantime, she said it still must go to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, of which she is a member.

Gustavson said his bill is "very restrictive" compared with the original version, which allowed those 21 years and older with one year of experience to ride without a helmet.

Assembly Bill 320, as approved by the committee, would permit motorcyclists who are 25 and older with one year experience to ride without a helmet. But they would be required to have $10,000 worth of medical insurance in addition to other coverage. And a sticker would be required to be attached to the license plate to show the owner has this medical coverage.

Riders would not be permitted to go without helmets in cities or towns of more than 5,000, meaning no helmet-less riding through Las Vegas and most other Nevada cities.

In addition, motorcycles would have to have their headlights on, even during the daytime. Gustavson said other states have this safety factor.

"It makes them more visible so people can see them coming," Gustavson said. Passengers under 25 would be required to wear a helmet on the cycle at all times.

The fiscal note on the bill has been reduced from $3 million to $1 million. That's the amount of medical bills the state estimates it may have to pay for brain injuries every year because of accidents involving motorcyclists who don't wear helmets.

Gustavson calls that a "phony figure" because it's based on an estimate that everybody won't wear a helmet.

But Chowning said the $1 million estimate is too low.

Even with these restrictions, Chowning said, "I still feel the danger is so prevalent without a helmet.

"You can be going 10 miles per hour and hit some oil or water and your head will splatter all over the place."

Voting with Chowning against the bill were Genie Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas, and Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas.

The measure was expected to come to the floor either today or Saturday for adoption of the amendments.

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