Federal push for helmet laws in Arkansas

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=130606&catid=2 Federal push for helmet laws in Arkansas Lindsey Tugman
The National Transportation Safety Board is proposing to reinstate the withholding of federal funding if states like Arkansas do not reinstate a helmet law for motorcycle riders.
Members of Arkansas' motorcycle community are speaking out. Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board announced a recommendation, that all states require motorcycle riders wear helmets.
This isn't the first time something like this has been proposed. In fact, at one time Arkansas had a helmet law, but it was repealed.
Some safety advocates say helmets are needed, while some riders want to make sure they'll always have a choice. In a few days, 3,000-plus motorcycle riders will take to the streets of Arkansas for an annual cause with and without helmets.
"Helmets can save lives helmets can take lives," says Motorcycle advocate Rodney Roberts.
As the owner of Rodney's Cycle House and a rider himself, Roberts is a member of Arkansas' motorcycle community. "I would say probably 80-plus of my customer base does not want helmet laws," says Roberts.
The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that everyone on a motorcycle wear a helmet. These federal recommendations sometimes come with monetary motivation. Arkansas got $10 million in a one time federal grant after it enacted the seatbelt law.
"It doesn't need to be mandated by law. People in America want less government, not more," says Roberts.
Currently, there are 20 states that require all motorcycle riders where helmets; 27 states including Arkansas have requirements for minors, and three states without any helmet laws.
As the director of Arkansas' Children's Hosptial's trauma unit, John Recicar treats patients injured in motorcycle accidents, but sees ATV accidents even more.
"I'd say head trauma is probably one of the most serious injuries," says Recicar.
"From my experience, I've shown wearing a helmet actually lessens the injury because the way helmets are designed they're able to dissipate the force a lot better and the people don't end up with as sever of injuries," says Recicar.
In Arkansas, state police numbers include motorcycle and ATV crashes together. So far this year, the number of deaths in that category is on track to surpass the record of 88 set in 2008. Roberts suggest the increase is linked to the number of motorcycles on Arkansas' roads increasing by more than 5 times in the past decade, according state registration data.
He says as this year as the cyclists gather Toys for Tots, many will rely on skills, not helmets to keep them safe. In 2009, there was an effort here in Arkansas to re-enact the state's helmet law.
However, it did not get enough support with lawmakers. The NTSB says, while motorcycle deaths nationally are down, the deaths still out-number those in aviation, rail, marine and pipeline combined. In 2009, more than 4,400 people died in motorcycle accidents.