does working in ER make you want motorcylehelmets mandatory

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jul 18, 2005

We live in a state that doesn't require helmets...my DH and I wear one all the time when on the bike...our neighbors don't and it makes me cringe! I think that helmets should be mandated...and that goes for bicycles too!

JohnRN04 · Jul 19, 2005

just wondering
we witnessed a bad wreck during the toys for tots ride in november
it was horrifying
we live in a state where helmets are not mandatory
needless to say ...the guy died and he was not wearing a helmet
he was hit by a car

i think as far as MVC's are concerned people that drive drunk should lose driving priveleges forever. also those people that use the fast lane for anything other than passing should be put in prison. I wouldn't weave in and out of traffic if fast traffic was on the left and the slow traffic was on the right. The system is already in place...we just need to enforce the rules...same with gun control but that's a whole other issue. Helmets should not be mandatory

JohnRN04 · Jul 19, 2005

i ride motorcycles by the way. i ride with a helmet and full leathers.

gwenith, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2005

You will never convince Aussies to give up our laws mandating bike helmets and seat belts in cars. We are becoming more and more intolerant of drink driving too. But then we have gun control laws too.........

MacNurse · Jul 19, 2005

I'm curious (I'm not trying to be scarsactic here at all...I'm trying to understand the other perspective) for those of you that would advocate for not making helmets mandatory. How do distinguish between it being ok for government mandating that a seat belt be worn vs having a helmet be worn? What makes it ok for seat belts to be mandated but not helmets in your mind? Why? Is there a difference between the two? Is that why? What is the difference if there is one?

I only ask because to me they are the same thing, so I'm wondering if that's where the difference in opinion arises. I hope that no one took that little rant of questions the wrong way :uhoh21:

JohnRN04 · Jul 19, 2005

I'm curious (I'm not trying to be scarsactic here at all...I'm trying to understand the other perspective) for those of you that would advocate for not making helmets mandatory. How do distinguish between it being ok for government mandating that a seat belt be worn vs having a helmet be worn? What makes it ok for seat belts to be mandated but not helmets in your mind? Why? Is there a difference between the two? Is that why? What is the difference if there is one?
I only ask because to me they are the same thing, so I'm wondering if that's where the difference in opinion arises. I hope that no one took that little rant of questions the wrong way :uhoh21:

seatbelts should be optional. if someone responsible enough take on driving decides that they don't need a seatbelt, then so be it. Seatbelts for minors should be mandatory however. Just my opinion

DZcarrie · Jul 19, 2005

Our state just went back to making helmets optional.

This past fourth of July I was in the car, with my dad and bf. Dad was driving and was cut off by two motorcyclists. One nearly wiped out and the other ...not sure how he didn't wipe out either. They illegally passed us, swerving around our car on a two lane highway. It was dark out and neither one was wearing a helmet.

This thread got me to thinking...suppose they had crashed, become disabled or died, and their family decided that my dad was at fault somehow. Or, if one of them died, what kind of guilt would we all feel being in the car that killed them?!

So, I guess the point I'm trying to make is that even though a person may ride a motorcycle and decide through their personal freedoms that a helmet is not necessary (because they like the wind-blown look?) that they are infringing on our personal freedoms by making us feel unsafe sharing the roads.

Same goes for seatbelts in my opinion.

RainbowSkye · Jul 19, 2005

Here's my thought: driving a car or riding a motorcycle is not an inherent right; it's a privilege. And if wearing a seatbelt or helmet is part of that privilege then so be it.

Jolie, BSN · Jul 19, 2005

I'm curious (I'm not trying to be scarsactic here at all...I'm trying to understand the other perspective) for those of you that would advocate for not making helmets mandatory. How do distinguish between it being ok for government mandating that a seat belt be worn vs having a helmet be worn? What makes it ok for seat belts to be mandated but not helmets in your mind? Why? Is there a difference between the two? Is that why? What is the difference if there is one?
I only ask because to me they are the same thing, so I'm wondering if that's where the difference in opinion arises. I hope that no one took that little rant of questions the wrong way :uhoh21:

I'm glad you asked, but I'm sure my answer will offend some.

I believe that ADULTS ought to have the right to make their own decisions, sound or not, so long as they do not endanger anyone else. Failing to wear a helmet, seatbelt, or other safety devices does not make one a danger to others, only to himself or herself. While crashes involving riders and passengers who fail to wear helmets or buckle up definitely have financial and emotional costs to society, it is not possible (or desirable) to remove all risks from our lives, and where would we draw the line at which costs are acceptable to pass along to our fellow citizens and which are not?

For example, should we outlaw smoking and refuse to pay for smoking-related healthcare costs? We are already on the way down that road. What about alcohol-related healthcare costs? Many would be happy to refuse payment for those, too, despite alcohol being a legal substance for those of age. What about my diagnosis of melanoma 10 years ago? It was directly related to irresponsible sun worshipping in my youth. Should I be solely responsible for the healthcare costs related to it, or should my youthful indescretion be forgiven, since I didn't comprehend the risk at the time? What about obesity? If you eat your way to diabetes or a heart attack, should your fellow citizens help to pay your healthcare costs through group insurance or Medicare?

What about those who engage in risky recreational activities such as skydiving, auto racing, horseback riding? Christopher Reeve's horseback riding accident cost more in healthcare dollars over a ten year period than most families incur in a lifetime.

The reality is that we ALL have habits that are risky or unhealthy and create burdens on others. Creating a hierarchy of "acceptable" habits worthy of healthcare funding and other societal support, versus "unacceptable" habits not deserving of such support is an exercise in futility, as virtually everyone has an argument as to why they should be covered, while someone else should not be.

If an activity is legal, then allow adults to articipate in any way that does not endanger anyone else. Children are another story, and should be protected, by parental control or law until they are of age to make such decisions for themselves.

By the way, I always buckle up, my kids wear helmets, and we all reek of sunscreen from Spring to Winter. I just don't think legislators need to tell me what to do for myself.

Works2xs · Jul 19, 2005

For example, should we outlaw smoking and refuse to pay for smoking-related healthcare costs? We are already on the way down that road. What about alcohol-related healthcare costs? Many would be happy to refuse payment for those, too, despite alcohol being a legal substance for those of age. What about my diagnosis of melanoma 10 years ago? It was directly related to irresponsible sun worshipping in my youth. Should I be solely responsible for the healthcare costs related to it, or should my youthful indescretion be forgiven, since I didn't comprehend the risk at the time? What about obesity? If you eat your way to diabetes or a heart attack, should your fellow citizens help to pay your healthcare costs through group insurance or Medicare?

I think the difference here is subtle, but important. In the above examples, you had a "right" to engage in those activities. As a "right" you are also free (well, mostly) to pursue them without the encumberance of government interference.

When it comes to the use of the motorized vehicles on public roads, you are not guaranteed the right to do so. Their use is a "privilege" extended by the state. Thus, you can be required to prove the vehicle is in proper working condition, displays tags, and maintain a minimum skill level to operate it. This list also includes many safety regulations, such as lights, horn, etc. So using a seatbelt or requiring the use of a helmet doesn't necessarily constitute an infringement upon civil liberty.

JohnRN04 · Jul 20, 2005

Our state just went back to making helmets optional.
This past fourth of July I was in the car, with my dad and bf. Dad was driving and was cut off by two motorcyclists. One nearly wiped out and the other ...not sure how he didn't wipe out either. They illegally passed us, swerving around our car on a two lane highway. It was dark out and neither one was wearing a helmet.
This thread got me to thinking...suppose they had crashed, become disabled or died, and their family decided that my dad was at fault somehow. Or, if one of them died, what kind of guilt would we all feel being in the car that killed them?!
So, I guess the point I'm trying to make is that even though a person may ride a motorcycle and decide through their personal freedoms that a helmet is not necessary (because they like the wind-blown look?) that they are infringing on our personal freedoms by making us feel unsafe sharing the roads.
Same goes for seatbelts in my opinion.

i see where you're coming from but would it have made a difference for you or your dad if they had a helmet and cut you guys off?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jul 20, 2005

So, I guess the point I'm trying to make is that even though a person may ride a motorcycle and decide through their personal freedoms that a helmet is not necessary (because they like the wind-blown look?) that they are infringing on our personal freedoms by making us feel unsafe sharing the roads.

I ride motorcycles, absolutely LOVE it. Even though the state i live in requires this, i would wear one even if it didn't. This is my choice. Aside from its intended purpose, it also keep those hardshell bugs from leaving a dent in my forehead.

I do not get how someone else's lack of a helmet is infringing on your rights. It may make you uncomfortable or feel unsafe, but how is is actually infringing on your rights?

I am more afraid of those on cell phones that are driving cars at the same time. Those are people that are obviously distracted. When i went to Rolling Thunder (bike rally) in DC, i saw some of the most responsible (and COURTEOUS) bike riders. The cars that day were another story, but it's always like that there. :stone

Helmet or not, motorcycle or not, there are plenty of irresponsible drivers out there. Echoing JohnRN's question here: would it have made a difference for you or your dad if they had a helmet and cut you guys off? If it did i don't get that either.