Informed consent.

That simple phrase, two little words, is the truest definition of "freedom". The freedom to weigh all the facts, and then make one's own decisions. The freedom to choose is pointless, without assuring you have the information neccassary to make the right choice.

Motorcyclists, and motorists in general, are given a great deal of safety information in the handbooks given out by most DMV (or DOT, BMV, etc.) agencies before being allowed to take the tests that determine whether or not they are licensed to operate a vehicle. For motorcyclists, this test is more in depth than the test for a standard motor vehicle (read:car) license.

But are they enough? Well, in most states, no. Because the tests cover only the laws, and rules of the road. What should actually be done, is to lengthen the classes and testing done by most states to include statistics on safety, survival rates, and injury severity. The tests, like the insurance contract you have probably already signed, should point out that not wearing a helmet (or a seat belt), not only increases your risk of death and/or more serious injury, but also releases almost everyone else from almost all indemnity should either one of these occur. Once you have proved that you are aware of the statistics (which most people seem to feel is synonymous with "facts") and the risks, then, and only then, you have proved that you are capable of informed consent. Then you have shown you deserve your freedom.

Helmet laws, and seat belt laws, are tools of the insurance industry. They were (and continue to be) pushed down the throats of politicians by a branch of big business that in all actuality doesn't give a lick about your safety. The laws simply help them create yet another loop-hole through which they can slip without having to pay you one thin dime.

In states where these laws exists, it becomes even easier for the insurance companies to dodge the pay-out bullet by pointing in shock, and exclaiming, "He wasn't wearing the proper safety restraining devices. We're not paying". Of course, thanks to their contracts and policies (have you ever actually read yours? Go ahead, we'll wait...) they manage to dodge most pay-outs for people who chose not to wear helmets (or seat belts) even in states that don't have these laws. Contracts can be tricky that way.

So, I guess to put it briefly, no, there should not be helmet laws. Nor should there be seat belt laws. Forcing me (or you, or that guy over there) to protect myself from myself is the first step on a very, very slippery slope that will send us sliding down from our high perch of freedom, and into the bleak darkness of a fascist regime, where consent, informed or otherwise, is no longer a personal matter.

Learn more about this author, Gregory Peltz.
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