From: casseres@apple.com (David Casseres)
Newsgroups: alt.society.civil-liberty,alt.activism,alt.individualism,talk.politics.misc
Subject: Re: Freedom, Social Responsibility, Individual Responsibility
Date: 23 Dec 92 18:25:21 GMT
Followup-To: talk.politics.misc
Organization: Apple Computer Inc.

Here's my own biases about helmet laws:  I ride a bike a lot, I *always*
wear a helmet, I insist that my kid do the same, and I don't think bicycle
helmet laws are a very good idea.  I rode a motorcycle for many years, I
always wore a helmet, I think motorcyclists who ride without helmets are
mostly pitiful but occasionally beautiful, and I abstain from having an
opinion on motorcycle helmet laws.  Okay.

First, just one question for all the ultra-pure Libertarian types who are
saying that no government anywhere has any right to tell anyone to wear
anything for any reason:  Where were all you mighty warriors when they made
laws that say we have to wear clothing when we walk around on the street? 
Why aren't you out there bare-ass naked like that guy in Berekeley,
protesting stupid laws about apparel and "decency"?  If you aren't going to
deal with clothing laws, then your philosophical opposition to helmet laws
is purely a hand-job.

Second, for all those who think it's a matter of protecting the general
public from having to pay hospital bills -- via taxes and insurance
premiums -- for all the helmetless bicyclists who bash their brains out on
the street:  Get real.  Show me that you personally have ever paid more
than maybe a nickle a year on cyclist head injuries that would have been
prevented by a helmet, and I'll be impressed as hell.

Third, for those who answer the medical-expenses argument by saying
helmetless cyclists who bash their brains out should be left on the
pavement to die:  Get real.  This is not going to happen.  And while you're
at it, get less disgusting, OK?

Next, a little something for the "I make my personal choice to take the
risk of riding without a helmet, and no one can tell me not to" crowd: 
Maybe you think you know what you're risking, but what if you realize, in
that last split-second as your skull heads for the curbstone, that you
didn't really know what the hell you were talking about?  Mind you, I don't
think anyone *should* force you to wear a helmet; it's just that I think
some of you may not know what you're talking about.

Then there's the Nobody's Business But My Own argument.  It's bullshit. 
Somebody somewhere gives a shit about you and will be hurt if you die, or
become a drooling veggie.  If it happens because you wouldn't wear a
helmet, they'll be real pissed at you too.  On the other hand, if there's
*really* no one who cares, maybe you should give up cycling for a while and
concentrate on getting a life.

And finally, let's have some quick Q&A's on three facts that are apparently
not well understood:

Q: What is the actual risk of suffering a serious head injury while riding
my bike without a helmet?

A: If you are an adult cyclist with a little experience, the actual risk is
very, very small.  But remember, the effect can be very, very serious.

Q: So, if I do get into one of those rare accidents that threaten a head
injury, how much difference does it make if I'm wearing a helmet?

A: Nobody knows, and that's the truth.

Q: If we have a helmet law and I don't wear a helmet, how likely is it that
I'll be punished for it?

A: Well, right now it's illegal for bicyclists (and cars) to run stop
signs; and bicycles (and cars) almost always run stop signs if they feel
they can do it safely; and they practically never get a ticket for it.  So
figure it out for yourself, and ask yourself whether it's worth your while
to get all lathered up about helmet laws destroying your fundamental
liberties.

--

David Casseres
Exclaimer: Wow!
Newsgroups: alt.society.civil-liberty,talk.politics.guns