Editorial #2-State/Regional Issue

After Thursday's class, we came up with a great list of Nebraska issues that one could certainly write an editorial on. One that particularly caught my eye was Nebraska's helmet law. Currently, our state has a mandatory helmet law requiring all operators and passengers aboard motorcycles or mopeds to wear helmets. Should such a law be broken, the fine is $50, plus court fees. Personally, a fine for not wearing a helmet is strictly higher then $50 especially if the individual were to get in an accident--perhaps death would be the result.

Many claim that riding without a helmet causes many head injuries if an accident should occur. It seems as though individuals who own these types of machines are usually the ones against the helmet law, however, in an article I read from the Lincoln Journal Star discusses a Harley Davidson owner who believes that Nebraska's helmet law should indeed stay in tact.

Last spring, as soon as classes were finished, my boyfriend and I went to the Carolinas. While in Myrtle Beach, numerous bikers flooded the streets. Later we found out that it was Biker Week there. One who hopes to someday own a motorcycle, I remember my boyfriend saying to me, "They must not have a helmet law here." As a matter of fact, we can be driving anywhere besides Nebraska and he always mentions, when seeing a biker, whether they have or do not have a helmet law.

Two of his very close uncles have motorcycles and so his desire to obtain one is rather persistent. Though I do not know what his views are on Nebraska's helmet law I am now curious to know what he thinks. Seeming those who own or want to own don't like the law, I have somewhat of an idea of what he may say. However, whatever his view is I am sure I will get a number of other insights that I never even thought of in helping me with this next editorial!