Motorcycle helmet debate revived Motorcyclists could soon be able to feel the wind in their hair, under a bill the House debated Tuesday. The bill would scrap the law that requires motorcyclists to wear a helmet and eye protection. The issue comes up year after year but never passes. The House gave preliminary approval to the measure. Opponents are concerned that health costs would rise because of severe accidents, increasing the state's Medicaid costs and potentially hurting hospitals who have to treat underinsured, injured motorcyclists.
Proponents argue that states without helmet laws actually experience fewer accidents.
Helmets cut off peripheral vision and can impair hearing, they said. Rep. Nancy Argenziano, R-Dunnellon, made an impassioned plea for this year's proposal. All rights reserved.