New Law Could Give Motorcyclists Choice to Wear Helmet
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JACKSON, Tenn. — A man said he would not be alive today, if it were not for the state motorcycle helmet law. While another woman said she disagrees with the law and would rather not use the protection. Now, lawmakers are considering a bill that would give riders the freedom to choose it they want to wear a helmet. Some riders do not want to wear them. “I don’t enjoy they way they feel on your head. They’re hot. They make you itch. They’re heavy,” Lisa Kegley said. While some say they will not even climb on a bike without one. “I’m just going to do everything I can to be as safe as I can and a helmet is just a basic factor,” Jim McLean said. Right now the state of Tennessee requires riders to wear a DOT-approved helmet to ride a motorcycle. But a new bill under consideration would make it an option for riders over 25. McLean does not think loosening the law is a good idea. He said was wearing a helmet when a car pulled out in front of him about 6 months ago. He was only going about 30 miles an hour. “I had extensive injuries to the left side of my body, hit the ground and based on the injuries. Three doctors told me my skull would’ve been crushed if it wasn’t for the helmet,” McLean explained. Kegley hopes lawmakers relax the law. She said every time she crosses into Kentucky, where helmets are not required, she pulls hers off. “It’s the individuals choice. I do it here because it’s the law,” Kegley said. Safety experts said a helmet is not a guarantee but if you go down your chances of walking away go up greatly. “There have been studies that show helmets are more likely to increase your survivability of an incident,” Rick Bonds, an instructor for the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Academy said. McLean said he is living proof of that and despite his brush with death he has no intentions of giving up his favorite pastime. “I make sure I’m doing everything I can, I’m going to continue to ride motorcycles. I enjoy the heck out of it,” McLean said. The new bill is being considered by committees in the both the House and the Senate. Currently, if you are pulled over for not wearing a helmet, you could receive up to a $161 fine.
