And if you do join, remember that you're not only risking your own money, but also the cash of any friends and family you recruit as well. They might take a while to forgive you for that. Laws mandating the use of motorcycle helmets have long been considered controversial. Many cyclists feel they should have the freedom to decide for themselves whether or not to wear a helmet for safety. Lawmakers in Texas and Arkansas agreed, and in 1997 they partially rescinded laws already on the books and allowed most motorcyclists over age 20 to ride without protection.
Federal regulators say yes.
In fact, a new study has found that motorcyclists in those two states are wearing their helmets far less often, and are getting injured a whole lot more. Both Texas and Arkansas had helmet use rates of about 97 percent before the laws were repealed. Of course, the latest findings aren't all that surprising. Then again you probably don't need a study to figure that out. Tell us about it.