Letter: Helmet law flies in face of state’s rugged spirit

Thursday, March 17, 2005 | 9:11 a.m.

This is in response to Brian Greenspun's column in Sunday's Sun, in which he supported the state's motorcycle helmet law. Nevada is the only state I know of where I can legally get a hooker in the afternoon and lose my life's savings at the crap table the same night. Yet I am made to wear a motorcycle helmet for my own good.

My wife and I both own fuel-efficient motorcycles. Many times, however, we leave the bikes at home and take the SUV, paying a ridiculous penalty for gas and pollution, rather than put that uncomfortable helmet on one more time.

Have you ever put a helmet on when it's hot? The sweat rolls down your face into your eyes, blurring your vision. Have you ever had an insect get stuck inside your helmet as you are traveling down the road. You don't know if it's a fly or a wasp. You just might wreck the bike trying to rip that helmet off your head to find out. My Transportation Department-approved helmet has so many disclaimers printed on the label that it's pathetic. This is safety?

Supporters of helmet laws say head injuries create a social burden, as motorcyclists don't carry enough insurance to take care of serious injury. If that's true, then can't we just increase insurance requirements for those of us who would rather ride without a helmet? Supporters also say it's for our own good. Then why don't we get told how much red meat or french fries we can have for dinner? Are obese people going to get sent to the gym for their own good?

JIM CANFIELD