OFF THE WIRE
http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/Motorcyclists-ask-for-the-right-to-decide/-/9674510/19190842/-/prcbgvz/-/index.html
(VIDEO)
Motorcyclists ask for the right to decide LB 393 would
require only those under 21 to wear a helmet
LINCOLN, Neb. —State lawmakers heard public debate on the
latest effort to repeal Nebraska’s two-decade-old mandatory helmet law. Bikers
packed the state Capitol Tuesday, asking for the right to choose.
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residents oppose food composting... City hopes to lengthen pedestrian... “As an
adult, insured, tax-paying citizen, I would like to be able to choose how to
best protect myself,” said Robert Ailor.
Sen. Dave Bloomfield's bill, LB 393, would require only those
under the age of 21 to wear helmets on motorcycles and mopeds. All riders would
be required to wear protective eye gear or have a windshield.
Supporters of the bill said Nebraska is losing out on millions
of dollars to bordering states that either have no motorcycle helmet laws or
allow adults to choose.
“We have our own people riding out of state, spending their
weekends and vacations in other states,” said Todd Miller.
Medical and highway-safety organizations opposed the bill.
“The helmet law does reduce fatalities. It does reduce
traumatic brain injuries in Nebraska and ultimately does lower the cost of
health care,” said Beverly Reicks with the National Safety Council.
Patrick Lang said the decision not to wear a helmet is
something he is living with for the rest of his life. He suffered a traumatic
brain injury when his motorcycle blew a tire on a trip to South Dakota in May
2010. His wife died in the accident. Neither of them wore a helmet.
“At one time, I was an advocate for the helmet law to be
abolished. I'm not going to lie, but I didn't sit back and look at it as a
father, as a friend or as a husband,” Lang said.
Another bill before the Legislature would ban children 8 and
younger from riding motorcycles. Sen. Bill Avery said he introduced LB 181 after
a 3-year-old fell off a motorcycle after falling asleep.
Some motorcycle groups said there's no need for the bill,
saying child-endangerment laws are already severe enough.
