NH- Helmet bill draws hundreds to hearing

The state could face sanctions that would cost it federal highway
dollars if it did not adopt a helmet law."

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Helmet bill draws hundreds to hearing
By TOM FAHEY
State House Bureau Chief
22 minutes ago

CONCORD - A large crowd turned out yesterday to argue against a bill
that would require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets.

More than 250 people took seats in Representatives Hall, almost all of
them in protest of the bill. Helmet bills are filed nearly every year
and have been regularly defeated. Sponsors of HB 1162 told the House
Transportation Committee the bill would lead to fewer serious head
injuries on the highways and save the state money on medical care in the
long run.

New Hampshire is one of three states that do not require a motorcyclist
to wear a helmet.

Opponents of the bill protested what they said is an effort to control
their behavior.

"I don't believe it is your job to take care of me, to protect me from
myself," said John Wilkins of Gilmanton. "A stupid driver or rider is
just as stupid with a helmet on as with a helmet off." Katherine Dawson,
chairman of the Tilton Board of Selectmen, was one of few members of the
public to testify in favor of the bill. She and her husband were in a
motorcycle accident several years ago, she said. She wore a helmet, her
husband did not, and he ran up a $500,000 hospital bill after being
airlifted, she said.

"He'll never walk again. He'll never speak again. He'll never be himself
again," she said.

The state could face sanctions that would cost it federal highway
dollars if it did not adopt a helmet law.

Dave Benson of Nashua, who said he drives more cautiously when he rides
without a helmet, urged the committee to tell the government: "Let us
keep our freedom, and you can keep the change."