Illinois Senate rejects motorcycle helmet law

A motorcycle helmet law was rejected by the Illinois Senate last week on 19-32 vote.  The proposed legislation would have only required helmets on passengers under the age of 18.

One of the supporters of the legislation argued that since the average cost of caring for someone who suffers a head injury in a motorcycle accident was $150,000, the legislation should be passed.  Opponents argued that it interfered with a parent's ability to make choices for their children.

There is some merit to arguments against motorcycle helmets for drivers of motorcycles in that they may inhibit the ability of the driver to hear or see things around them.  However, passengers do not have that same concern, and parents should not be given the right to make choices for their children that unnecessarily endanger the safety and well-being of their children.

This was good legislation that should have passed.