The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Motorcycle helmet law revs up civil liberties debate
HARTFORD — It’s a new year but the same old arguments were made Monday about whether Connecticut should join the majority of states in adopting mandatory helmet laws for motorcycle riders.
Two bills in front of the Transportation Committee included language concerning mandatory helmet laws — and a packed hearing room heard two arguments. Proponents of mandatory helmet laws say they save lives and opponents say they are an affront to civil liberties.
One law being proposed would “require the use of helmets by motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 years of age.”
The other bill would “require passengers in the back seat to wear seat belts, (and) require motorcycle operators and passengers to wear protective headgear.”
Testifying in favor of the legislation were medical professionals, safety advocates and law enforcement officials.
Among them was Garry Lapidus, director of the Injury Prevention Center for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
“Forty-seven riders die each year,” said Lapidus, who said the medical cost of caring for injured motorcyclists topped $157 million last year. He added that riding without a helmet increases the risk of death by 42 percent and the chance of head injury by 69 percent.
Also testifying in favor of mandatory helmets was John Gavalas, chief of police in Watertown and chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Traffic Safety Committee.
He said Connecticut already has a law that requires 16- and 17-year-olds to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle.
“Since we require 16- and 17-year-olds to wear a helmet, does that mean we value the life of a 17-yearold more than a 19-yearold?” Gavalas asked. “I think not,” he said.
As far as compliance is concerned, Gavalas said in states that require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, the compliance rate is near 90 percent. In states like Connecticut, which don’t require it the percentage of riders who wear helmets is less than 50 percent.
Motorcycle riders in the audience were vocal in their opposition to the proposed legislation.
“It’s my choice,” said Ron Hutchins, of Colchester.
“If it’s 95 degrees outside, I don’t want a helmet over my head and have sweat pouring into my eyes,” said Hutchins, who added he was willing to live with the consequences of his choice if he is in an accident.