Abstract
BackgroundIn June of 2003 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed S. 259 which repealed the state's 35-year old motorcycle helmet safety law. Motorcycle helmets are now only required for riders who are under the age of 21 and for those who are 21 years or older who have had a motorcycle operator's license for less than two years, or who have not completed an approved motorcycle safety course.DiscussionPrior to the repeal, and in the years that have followed, there has been intense debate and controversy regarding Pennsylvania's decision to repeal the law that required universal and mandatory use of motorcycle helmets for all riders. Proponents of the helmet repeal have argued in favor of individual rights and freedom, whereas advocates for mandatory helmet laws have voiced concerns over public health and safety based on available data.SummaryThis commentary will discuss the policy-making process that led to Pennsylvania's repeal of the motorcycle helmet safety law from an ethical, political, and economic perspective.
Highlights
In June of 2003 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed S. 259 which repealed the state's 35-year old motorcycle helmet safety law
Summary: This commentary will discuss the policy-making process that led to Pennsylvania's repeal of the motorcycle helmet safety law from an ethical, political, and economic perspective
Anti-helmet advocates argued for the repeal of the Pennsylvania motorcycle helmet law for several reasons: 1) freedom of choice and individual rights, 2) the pleasure of riding without a helmet, and 3) helmet use increases the odds of spinal cord damage
Summary
Anti-helmet advocates argued for the repeal of the Pennsylvania motorcycle helmet law for several reasons: 1) freedom of choice and individual rights, 2) the pleasure of riding without a helmet, and 3) helmet use increases the odds of spinal cord damage. Anti-helmet advocates were very much aware of the MCC injury and fatality data that was disseminated from those five states that repealed their motorcycle helmet laws They argued that many of these crashes were due to the inexperience of the rider and sought to weaken the argument of objective utilitarians by introducing language that would require helmets for individuals over the age of 21 who did not have a valid license for at least two years, or did not take an approved motorcycle safety course. Public health practitioners and health care professionals tend to be grounded in objective utilitarianism and paternalism, and argue that it is appropriate for government to exert influence over the behavior of its citizens, in selected circumstances, in order to protect the safety and economic viability of our nation as a whole These decisions, must be carefully and thoughtfully researched and the pros and cons seriously considered.
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