Editorial #2--Final

Hats Helmets On to that!


It’s a warm, summer day in the state where its common slogan preached ‘the good life.’ Perfect weather for being outdoors and for those whose obsession is motorcycling; it’s a fine day for riding. Specialized gloves are pulled on for comfort where they meet the cuffs of a zipped-up jacket. The ‘hog’ is gassed up and ready to cruise on into the sunset. It’s go time baby! The summer air brushes through a head of hair on a helmetless rider, without a care in the world they think to themselves, ‘nothing could be better.’ That is when two tires screech across the road and sparks fly from the metal connecting with the pavement. If the motorcyclist could have prepared all over again that day, would a helmet have been worn?

For the continued safety of motorcycle operators, Nebraska needs to keep its state helmet law.

Let’s face it, as we look forward to the fun things in life we sometimes forget the precautionary necessities that allow us to keep having that fun. We become caught up in the moment and the thought of safety seems to almost disappear, at least until we sense trouble up ahead. Of course, as our circumstances change, so do our thoughts.

Requiring operators of motorcycles to wear helmets seems all too obvious when it comes to the overall safety of the rider, but this issue is quite the controversial topic to say the least. According to a University of Southern California analysis, helmets were the single most important factor in surviving motorcycle accidents. Chances of surviving a motorcycle accident is 60 percent higher than if the rider chooses to ride helmetless.

Life is precious. Though wearing a helmet may not be the most desired fashion statement in the world, if it’s going to protect one from being seriously injured or save a life, it is well worth wearing. Currently, just 20 states, including Nebraska, require all motorcycle operators to wear helmets when riding. Specifically, the Nebraska state legislature states, “A person shall not operate or be a passenger on a motorcycle or moped on any highway in this state unless such person is wearing a protective helmet of the type and design manufactured for use by operators of such vehicles and unless such helmet is secured properly on his or her head with a chin strap while the vehicle is in motion.” Since Nebraska repealed this law in 1989, the number of serious head injuries in motorcycle accidents has decreased 22 percent.

Should Nebraska choose to keep the state helmet law, we may find a reduction in motorcycle theft. Due to the fact that riders would be required to wear helmets, police would easily spot a helmetless thief, assuming the thief did not own a helmet.

Within the past ten years, the total number of motorcycle accident deaths has more than doubled, increasing deaths by about a third. The Gannett News Service has produced an analysis of federal accident reports saying motorcycle deaths have well increased since 1995. In 1997, there was a reported average of 5.5 deaths for every 10,000 registered motorcycles, this number jumped to 7.3 deaths in 2006. With 2009 settling in, do you want to be one who increases these statistics? Is that what you want to become—just another statistic? Do yourself, your family and your friends a favor…strap on a helmet if you’re going for a motorcycle ride and vote ‘yes’ for keeping Nebraska’s state helmet law.



So, that was how the final draft of my editorial read. I know I hit on safety quite a bit! Throw your comments at me on which position you take concerning this issue. If you're going to ride and one of these brutal accidents happens to you, wouldn't you at least like to know that your chances are much higher of survival if a helmet is involved?! Here's one more video I found with a great message!!!