TN Motorcycle Helmet Law Debate
This Morning at 5am and News at 9pm. Nashville, Tenn--Tennessee law requires drivers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists have to wear helmets. But some riders believe they should have a choice when it comes to helmets. There are at least 31 states that give motorcyclists the choice of whether or not to wear a helmet, but Tennessee is not one of them. Senator Mike Bell has been on a crusade to change that. For eight years he's pushed legislation to make helmets optional for experienced riders over 25 who take safety courses and agree to carry additional liability and medical insurance. Senator Bells says wearing helmets should be left to the individual. Health experts and insurance companies say changing the helmet law will lead to more traumatic brain injuries, deaths and medical costs that will be passed along to hospitals and eventually rate payers. If the bill passes, senator Bell says Tennessee will still have one of the most restrictive helmet laws in the country.