Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

[93TrikeWinger]

7/3/2011
ONONDAGA, N.Y. -- Police say a motorcyclist participating in a protest ride against helmet laws in upstate New York died after he flipped over the bike's handlebars and hit his head on the pavement. The accident happened Saturday afternoon in the town of Onondaga, in central New York near Syracuse. State troopers tell The Post-Standard of Syracuse that 55-year-old Philip A. Contos of Parish, N.Y., was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson with a group of bikers who were protesting helmet laws by not wearing helmets. Troopers say Contos hit his brakes and the motorcycle fishtailed. The bike spun out of control, and Contos toppled over the handlebars. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. Troopers say Contos would have likely survived if he had been wearing a helmet.

 

[Papa Zook]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Same thing happened here a couple of nights ago in the K-Mart parking lot when a young guy let a friend ride his sport bike, no helmet. The friend hit a curb and then his head on the pavement. Call me chicken, but I always wear a helmet when riding regardless of the states law. Ive seen first hand how even a minor accident can kill you or turn you into a vegetable.

 

[grampadonut]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

alway have..always will !!!

 

[eagle1]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

sorry for the loss of life, but i'm a freeway guy and don't wear a helmet while on the freeway. i live in the country of northern indiana. but i do wear it cross country as ill.& mo. have helmet laws.lb

 

[Papa Zook]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

I already gots all the drain bramage I need. :Trike1:

 

[champsman97045]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

I always wear a helmet , as my beautiful kisser and swiss movement brain need all the help they can get , don't want to mess with perfection

 

[oleman69]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Sorry to hear about those folks dying but I still gota say Let Those Who Ride Decide. Ride Free

 

[LilGee661]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Sorry to hear about the loss.. I been hit twice in 30 years never did anything for me. I don't wear it by choice. Rather ride in state with no helmet laws. It's my choice!!

 

[Gorilla]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Sorry to hear about the loss.. I been hit twice in 30 years never did anything for me. I don't wear it by choice. Rather ride in state with no helmet laws. It's my choice!!

Welcome aboard.

 

[Juju]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

I'm kind of mixed on this issue.

When I was in my 20s, a bike on which I was riding as a passenger went down when we slipped on an oil slick. I dislocated my shoulder, had some road rash, and was in shock for an hour or so (lost the ability to speak), but my head was OK, though I distinctly remember the feeling of my helmet skidding along the pavement with the rest of me. So the helmet saved me that time.

OTOH, I like to let people make their own choices in general, as long as we taxpayers don't get stuck with the bill when someone needs long-term care after a head injury due to riding helmetless. I know, I know--there are lots of other bad choices that taxes end up paying for, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to limit them. I've heard that some states require that you carry a certain amount of insurance if you ride without a helmet--that makes sense to me, on the face of it, though I don't really know the details or pros and cons of that solution.

Anyway, having plenty of insurance myself, I confess that when we crossed into Florida on our ride home yesterday, yes, the Chief and I stopped and removed our helmets.

 

[steamer]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Lets get rid of seat belts,air bags,anti lock brakes,child seats and all the other safty stuff.....wear the helmet save a brain.

 

[Reader1]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

So sorry to hear of any biker's death. Husband and I both always wear helmets, but we disagree about the law. He sees it as a decision he wants to make, and I agree with the helmet laws. I understand the other side but, when I see bikers in heavy traffic on highways with idiot drivers weaving in and out of traffic, I get really nervous when I see bikers without helmets.

 

[Rev Ray]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

We need organ donars,don't you think!:Shrug:

 

[tomg]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Always wear it and good thing as two years ago I was T-boned by a car and the scar on the helmet showed it saved my life !!!!

 

[Gorilla]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Tom we are glad that you were.

 

[RockRDR]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Paralized or Dead!!! hummm decisions.... decisions! Let kavorken do what he needs and than my choice may be clearer.. I'm not living my life as a vegi!

Just my 2 cents!!

 

[NedKelley]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

This tragic and ironic accident made news this side too; I have to say sincere condolences to all who knew and loved our Brother biker, blessings on your new journey Brother.

It reinforces the need to ride carefully, legally and responsibly...yet at the same time experience the sense of freedom and "wind in the face" which I am sure is one of the attractions which draws all of us onto our machines.
Ride safe and free all, enjoy the journey!!

 

[BigSam]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Its sad when any life is lost but I think wearing a helmet should be my choice not some law makers. If we let the law decide what we are to wear then we would all have a bullet proof vest because if all the guns on the street. We would all be wearing neck braces to protect us from breaking our necks during a fall, back braces to protect our backs, steel boots to protect our feet, steel leg protectors and so on if the law is serious about protecting us.

I saw a bus load of kids pass me yesterday and not one seat belt on the buss except for the driver yet you will get a ticket if you do not wear yours when driving your car. What is it our kids doen't count, they don't need protected? Point being the law is not there to protect but collect. I don't mean this in a bad way I have friends who are in law inforcement and I am alway joking with them about the word "inforcement" because that is what the law does force people not let them make up their own minds as to how they will live there life. If you think about everything the law says will kill you, no one would ever leave the house.

I only wear one thing when I ride and that is the faith God is watching over me because when it comes my time to leave this world it will not matter if I am riding, taking a bath, or putting shingles on my roof, my time will be up and no law can tell when and what way I will be going out of this world. We are people who can make dicisions on our own, no one needs the law or anyone for that matter to do that for us. I am 57 years old and have rode bikes and now trikes from 13 years old till now and the only time I have ever put on a helmet is when I ride in a state that says I have to which would make my helmet wear about 10% of my life, if that.

I could tell you about the two head on's I had with cars and the many times in my wilder days that I was thrown from my bikes or the time I was clocked doing over 140 thru town or all the other crazy stuff I did that would build an arguement that everyone should wear helmets but I believe it should be our choice whether to wear a helmet or not. If the law were to make a law to save my life from everything I have done they would still be making laws around the clock. Ride safe and aways use the brain you were given it is the only thing that is going to protect you not the helmet. Just my humble opinion.

 

[iowaguy7282]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

I'm a novice rider and I always wear a helmet. I wouldn't ride without one.

 

[Yellow Trike]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Yep - that dude died for his cause. Did his family buy into that? Are they pleased he died doing what he wanted - without thought to his family?

We are not islands. Even if you are an orphan you matter to someone. You have an effect on the world around you.

Obviously, I wear a helmet even when I'm not required to do so. I do not want my family to be adversely effected by my love of motorcycle riding. I can't control everything, but I can take steps to lessen my risk.

 

[TattooZ]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Personally I wear a helmet. However I feel that the wearing of safety gear should be the choice of the user (Children are an exception in my mind). I don't think the government should be legislating the individual safety laws.

Unfortunately for that poor man who died I'd like to give my sympathies to his family.

 

[standingbear56]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

I have over 30 years in EMS, and my wife is a trauma nurse with over 20 years of experience. As far as head/neck injuries go, riders wearing helmets are way better off than those who do not. However that being said, I still believe that it should be the rider's decision and NOT a law. However they should carry enough insurance to cover the added risks they choose to take. They should also take their family & friends into consideration when making their decision.
My deepest sympathies to his family & friends'

 

[Motogordo]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

I live in New Jersey where helmets are manditory. Even if they weren't, I would always wear one. I know people who have had their heads destroyed by NOT wearing a helmet. The only complaint I have about wearing helmets is that it messes up my hair. That's it, besides it does get a little warm, but the shields on the helmets plus my shield on my CanAm gives me lots more protection from flying objects. Of course, next door is Philadelphia where I don't think they have ANY laws. You can buy a gun with just a drivers license, no helmets required, and your ex-wife gets up to 40% of your earnings and assets, even if you are only married a couple of years. LOL.

I have spoken to a couple of police officers in both states and asked them why some states say it is okay NOT to wear helmets. He told me that it is better for the Insurance Companies if the riders KILL themselves as compared to paying medical benefits for years and years. Sad to say, he might have a point there. Everything relates back to MONEY and the bottom line.
Gordon

 

[BeHereNow]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Helmets may be effective for what is intended, helmet laws are not.
Here in Maryland, we are a mandatory state.
If you look at the 5 or 6 years on either side of passing the law, you see some interesting statistics.

Looking at all motorcycle accidents, the death rate increased after the law was put into effect. Statistically, if you were in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, you were more likely to die after they made helmets mandatory (less likely to die when helmets were voluntary).
We see this in many other states as well.
Helmet laws are ineffective at best, and detrimental at worst.

One clear pattern is that motorcycle ridership decreases when a mandatory helmet law is in effect. This causes a very large loss of income for the citizens, in motorcycle and related sales, sales tax, registration fees, and tourism dollars.
When helmet laws are repealed, MC ridership increases.

Trikes are usually not considered in the statistics, but that may change in the future.
More and more trikes every day.

 

[meredog]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

anyone used a kevlar helmet seems they would be lightweight

 

[Keystone]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Looking at all motorcycle accidents, the death rate increased after the law was put into effect. Statistically, if you were in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, you were more likely to die after they made helmets mandatory (less likely to die when helmets were voluntary).
We see this in many other states as well.
Helmet laws are ineffective at best, and detrimental at worst.

I would love to see your source. There is well documented proof that that deaths rose 30% in states that allowed no helmets.

One clear pattern is that motorcycle ridership decreases when a mandatory helmet law is in effect.

Again, I'd love to see your source. I have no issues with someone not wearing a helmet. But the fact is they DO lower the risk of death/head injuries. They DO NOT increase the risk.

 

[BeHereNow]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Looking at all motorcycle accidents, the death rate increased after the law was put into effect. Statistically, if you were in a motorcycle accident in Maryland, you were more likely to die after they made helmets mandatory (less likely to die when helmets were voluntary).
We see this in many other states as well.
Helmet laws are ineffective at best, and detrimental at worst.

I would love to see your source. There is well documented proof that that deaths rose 30% in states that allowed no helmets.

One clear pattern is that motorcycle ridership decreases when a mandatory helmet law is in effect.

Again, I'd love to see your source. I have no issues with someone not wearing a helmet. But the fact is they DO lower the risk of death/head injuries. They DO NOT increase the risk.

Deaths rise, because motorcycle ridership rises.
When helmet laws are repealed, the total deaths rise, because ridership increases.

In the case of Maryland, after the law went into effect (making helmets mandatory), accidents were cut in half.
Common sense tells us two things, first, a law requiring wearing helmets would not in itself reduce accidents. And yet accidents were cut in half.
Common sense would tell us that for accidents to be cut in half, there must be far fewer motorcycle miles driven.

Here is a complete report, the data for Maryland is on page 9.~ ~ ~

Please note that the reason for mandatory laws are statistical in nature.
'Statistics show. . .etc'
STATISTICALLY, just the opposite is true, if you look at relevant data.

My position is that laws are ineffective, and this is demonstrated by statistics that show that the rate of deaths, compared to accidents INCREASE when a madatory law goes into effect.

When data is examined, impartially, and sometime the numbers go up, sometimess down, there is no direct correlation.
There is no cause and effect relationship.

In the big picture I would say that mandatory helmet laws are ineffective, even though I can show specifically cases where the effect is detrimental to motorcycle riders. This is not an anomoly.
The public is hoodwinked into believeing helmet laws are effective, because sources are quoted that only look at the total number of deaths, regardless of motorcycles owned, registered, miles driven, etc.

 

[secondroy]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

Texas is almost a no helmet state. The way it reads now is that if you are of age and have gone to the motorcycle safety course and have medical insurance to cover any injuries you may receive in an accident you may ride without a helmet. The kicker that makes it a no helmet state is the police are prohibited from stoping you to check just because you don't have a helmet on.

I have the insurance and have been to the motorcycle safety course. I still wear a helmet every time I climb on my bike. I also try to wear a protective coat, boots and gloves. The wear is so good now it's cooler to ride with a mesh coat on than not. Boots and gloves are automatic with me when I ride.

I feel sorry for the family of the man who was killed. But he knew the risks and it was it right not to ride with a helmet.

 

[BeHereNow]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

keystone

Looking at your post again, I think you made the mistake of confusing helmet use, with laws requiring their use. Two different things.

If you wnat to see more studies that show helmet laws are ineffective, please let me know. They are not hard to find.

 

[Keystone]

Re: Motorcyclist Dies On Ride Protesting Helmet Law In New York

No, I did not get anything confused with something else. You may believe your false info if you want to. Helmets are effective. There is nothing from any anti-helmet law group that you can show me that will change that.