Opposition remains strong for motorcycle helmet law in NH (6/14/2015, 785 citizens, 1664 Citizen Responses)

By Rob Levey

NH remains one of three states where motorcyclists are not required to wear helmets. In light of Motorcycle Week in Laconia, the Live Free or Die Alliance (LFDA) put the issue to Facebook members, asking “Should NH pass a law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets?”

A total of 90% of respondents answered the question directly or with a concurrence, and of these a 90% majority opposed the announcement with 10% in favor. Of the remaining respondents, 8% opted to discuss the subject in broader terms while 2% commented on unrelated issues. In sum, 785 citizens participated in the discussion with a total of 1664 responses.

Most of the majority opinion noted it should be an individual’s personal choice as to whether to wear a helmet. “We should be responsible for our choices,” remarked one commenter. “This only affects the safety of the person wearing or not wearing the helmet.” Others agreed, including one woman who added, “Adults should be free to choose what risks they want to accept.”

For those in favor of a helmet law, safety concerns were precisely what many felt necessitated legislation in NH. “No one should be allowed to jeopardize their safety like that,” remarked one commenter. “Put a helmet on.” Other respondents contended that helmets simply make sense. “The no helmet law contradicts so many of the reasons for a lot of the safety laws,” added one woman.

For those who did not provide a direct “yes” or “no” to the question, several discussed insurance and the potential medical costs for motorcyclists involved in accidents. Others discussed the inherent dangers associated with driving any motor vehicle, including one respondent who said, “Every time you start an engine, you are operating a deadly piece of machinery.”

The nonprofit, nonpartisan LFDA takes no position on this or any issue, as this report is presented as a summary of citizen testimony. As New Hampshire’s Virtual Town Hall, the LFDA community, numbering more than 73,000, provides objective information on state issues, promotes the civil exchange of opinions, and communicates views to elected officials. To learn more about this issue or the LFDA, visit www.lfda.org.

Rob Levey is an Editor of the Live Free or Die Alliance.

Live Free or Die Alliance
www.livefreeordiealliance.org