You Do The Math . . .

The issue of wearing or not wearing a helmet is a controversial one. I, of course, have my own opinion about this subject. However, I do respect the “freedom of choice” that riders express as to whether they wear a helmet or not. Georgia law requires ALL motorcycle riders to wear an approved DOT helmet. South Carolina law requires riders under 21 to wear a helmet and for those 21 and over, they are not required to wear one (Riders includes passengers).  With this being said, I ran across some interesting figures published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. You are free to draw your own conclusions as to whether you want to wear a helmet or not.

GEORGIA SOUTH CAROLINA

Deaths No Helmet Deaths No Helmet

• 2005    144       10.4%       106        75%
• 2006    154       14.4%       109        74.3%
• 2007    Not Yet Available   121        76%

Motorcyclists can make arguments for and against wearing helmets. Look at the figures above and you do the math . . . . . .And, as usual, always be watchful for the unwatchful . . . .

RSHF,

Chuck and Anne Reed
Georgia Senior District Educators