Letter: Helmet law benefits inexpert motorcyclists

Saturday, Feb. 17, 2001 | 11:44 a.m.

The mechanics of operating a motorcycle may or may not be something new riders are able to grasp. There is a far more important consideration that new, or even mildly experienced riders, may not understand. No matter how safely and competently you ride your motorcycle, you are affected by the actions of surrounding traffic. Wearing a helmet may give some people chances to gain experience that they otherwise would not live long enough to achieve.

Of course everyone understands that accidents and "fender benders" happen. Something an experienced motorcyclist would recognize and be ready to counter might mean trouble for an inexperienced rider. What people who are not seasoned motorcycle riders don't understand is how much of a disadvantage they are at when avoiding and surviving accidents, at least until they have experience. While a 21-year-old may have more common sense than a 16-year-old, without experience on a motorcycle they are equally ill prepared for riding in traffic.

I give more weight to the "keep government off our back" argument. Toward that end my main concern is to not give society cause to be upset by an increase in deaths or injuries to motorcycle riders. Not only because of additional costs incurred for medical treatment, but also for the husbands, wives, fathers and mothers that society will not want to see injured.

RON GARRETT

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