All motorcycle riders in the state of Maine may soon be required by law to wear motorcycle helmets while operating or riding their bikes. The new law proposal has sparked a fierce debate between riders, doctors and lawmakers arguing between the law’s attack on drivers’ personal freedom and its attempt to protect motorcycle riders and passengers from serious injury.
Whether it is wearing a seat belt in a car or obeying the speed limit, it is common for laws to be set in place to protect people from harm. So why the strong opposition against the motorcycle helmet law? Many motorcycle enthusiasts claim that being forced to wear a helmet takes away their freedom of choice. For instance, in a recent article from the Maine Public Broadcasting Network a dedicated motorcycle rider named Joshua Herndon stated, “First, I would like to say that I am not against wearing a helmet or any other safety equipment. However, I am against my government mandating that I wear such equipment.”
I – Word Understanding
Sparked a fierce debate – caused a strong disagreement
Motorcycle enthusiasts – people who love riding and owning motorcycles
Mandating – an official order to do something
II – Have your say
1.Motorcycle is a cheaper and more convenient form of transportation. However, motorcycling is a more dangerous means of transport than other road alternatives.
2.There are around 30 million motorcycles in Vietnam. One blogger said, Vietnam eats, sleeps and dreams on motorbikes. They call helmets as “rice cookers”.
3.Others ride a motorcycle as a way to relieve stress and to “clear their minds”. Motorcycling is considered a symbol of independence, adventure and self-reliance.
039 Motorcycle Helmet Laws: An Attack on One’s Freedom of Choice or a Necessary Safety Requirement?
