NHTSA releases mandatory helmet law study
08-15-05, 02:40 PM
#1
Fritz M
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NHTSA releases mandatory helmet law study
A researcher studied mandatory bicycle helmet laws in six U.S. jurisdictions. The study looks at the introduction, passage and implementation of helmet laws, implementation factors, and how the effectiveness of the laws were measured. It would be worthwhile for both pro- and anti- helmet-law advocates to take a look at this study.
The study is here.
Here are my thoughts on this research and bicycle helmet laws.
RFM
The study is here.
Here are my thoughts on this research and bicycle helmet laws.
RFM
08-15-05, 03:15 PM
#2
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This is quite a document to wade through. This is what stood out to me:
<snip>In one community, a law enforcement spokesperson said that most of the area’s fatalities, including bicycling fatalities, were the fault of motor vehicle drivers, so the police department chooses to place its traffic safety emphasis on the behavior of motor vehicle drivers. <snip>
Bingo. Better to correct the problem at the source than to band-aid it later.
Just for the record, It's my choice that I always wear my helmet.
Thanks for the link, richardm.
<snip>In one community, a law enforcement spokesperson said that most of the area’s fatalities, including bicycling fatalities, were the fault of motor vehicle drivers, so the police department chooses to place its traffic safety emphasis on the behavior of motor vehicle drivers. <snip>
Bingo. Better to correct the problem at the source than to band-aid it later.
Just for the record, It's my choice that I always wear my helmet.
Thanks for the link, richardm.
08-15-05, 03:27 PM
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I agree, if you don't want to wear a helmet, it's your choice.
Better to spend the effort on where the real problem lies, DRIVERS!
Better to spend the effort on where the real problem lies, DRIVERS!
08-15-05, 03:36 PM
#4
feros ferio
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I concur with eubi and slvoid. As a society, we need greater accountability and better education for motorists. Distraction and inattention may actually be bigger problems than inebriation or aggression.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
08-15-05, 03:40 PM
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I oppose helmet mandates for adults, although I do support them for minors. I wear a helmet by choice, but try to ride as though it provides no protection. I believe these statements make me pretty mainstream among serious bicyclists.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
08-15-05, 03:43 PM
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Education for the Auto drivers should be the number priority of the LAB, Bikes Belong, and any other mainstream advocacy. Not you CM'ers! You people just go have fun!
I am so sick and tired of the League announcing ISTEA funding this, funding that...The problem is not the money...It's who's spending it, the myopic bureacrats who would never be caught putting their fat gazombas on a bike saddle.
I am so sick and tired of the League announcing ISTEA funding this, funding that...The problem is not the money...It's who's spending it, the myopic bureacrats who would never be caught putting their fat gazombas on a bike saddle.
08-15-05, 05:28 PM
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Good on you for posting the report. It is a lot to take in and seems a little like a guide for helmet law passage and effectiveness. The report mentions the unquestioned assumption that helmets increase safety but fails to challenge that assumption.
The study notes that cops wrote many more tickets when laws were all-age rather than minor only. I would bet that most of those all-age era tickets had multiple infractions to include helmet law infractions. The study asserts that cops are reluctant to write up little kids for helmet violations. Both of these study assertions indicate that cops have better things to do than enforce helmet laws.
The study notes that cops wrote many more tickets when laws were all-age rather than minor only. I would bet that most of those all-age era tickets had multiple infractions to include helmet law infractions. The study asserts that cops are reluctant to write up little kids for helmet violations. Both of these study assertions indicate that cops have better things to do than enforce helmet laws.
