We find this argument rather novel and extremely dangerous. Even if it were possible to prove statistically that people who do not wear seatbelts or helmets and who are injured are more likely to become public burdens than are other accident victims, it will never be shown that their injuries place a large strain on either Medicare or Medicaid. Both those Federal programs provide medical treatment to people who need care primarily for other reasons. Often, that treatment is needed because of an individual's behavior. For example, people who eat too much or who eat greasy foods develop heart disease.
Teeth rot and diabetes are aggravated by sugar consumption.
Elderly people slip on the steps and break their hips. These steps would save a lot more money for Medicaid and Medicare, both of which primarily serve elderly Americans, than would making outlaw granny bikers wear motorcycle helmets. We understand that there is certainly some sentiment in the Federal Government for more laws to regulate personal behavior. For instance, a few years ago one Federal agency issued a ban on serving runny eggs, though the public outcry forced it to retract its ban. We simply do not agree with this type of Federal regulation.