The New Jersey Senate voted, 21-13, on June 8, to allow motorcycle riders the choice of whether they wear helmets or not. Under the bill, riders would have the option only if they are over 21, licensed for more than two years or complete a state safety course. For too many years, Massachusetts has had a reputation throughout this nation for unfair police behavior towards motorcyclists.
Residents experience it firsthand all too often.
The state police have learned that 64 percent of motorcycle helmets on the market have failed D.O.T. compliance testing. They also know that most motorcyclists are not aware of this. There is no record of a retest in 1999 and there is no record of any recall. Massachusetts motorcyclists are crying foul. State police prosecutors and police officers testify in court that proper helmets must have a D.O.T. label on the back, which the state police-issued helmets clearly do not.