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General Categories => Non Gun Stuff => Topic started by: FarmerRick on January 06, 2011, 05:38:46 PM

Title: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: FarmerRick on January 06, 2011, 05:38:46 PM
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Intro/LB52.pdf (http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Intro/LB52.pdf)

LEGISLATIVE BILL 52
Introduced by Krist, 10.
Read first time January 06, 2011
Committee:
A BILL
1 FOR AN ACT relating to motorcycles; to amend section 60-6,279,
2 Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska; to change helmet
3 provisions; to require eye protection; and to repeal the
original section.4
5 Be it enacted by the people of the State of Nebraska,

 Section 1. Section 60-6,279, Reissue Revised Statutes of
Nebraska, is amended to read:2
3 60-6,279 (1) A person shall not operate or be a passenger
4 on a motorcycle or moped on any highway in this state unless such
5 person is wearing eye protection.


6 (2) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3) and
7 (4) of this section, a
A person shall not operate or be a passenger
8 on a motorcycle or moped on any highway in this state unless such
9 person is wearing a protective helmet of the type and design
10 manufactured for use by operators of such vehicles and unless such
11 helmet is secured properly on his or her head with a chin strap while
12 the vehicle is in motion. All such protective helmets shall be
13 designed to reduce injuries to the user resulting from head impacts
14 and shall be designed to protect the user by remaining on the user's
15 head, deflecting blows, resisting penetration, and spreading the
16 force of impact. Each such helmet shall consist of lining, padding,
17 and chin strap and shall meet or exceed the standards established in
18 the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Motor
19 Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, 49 C.F.R. 571.218, for motorcycle
20 helmets.
21 (3) A person who is at least twenty-one years of age is
22 exempt from subsection (2) of this section.
23 (4) A person who is over fifteen years of age but less
24 than twenty-one years of age is exempt from subsection (2) of this
25 section if he or she carries proof of successful completion of a

1 motorcycle safety course under the Motorcycle Safety Education Act.
2 Such proof of course completion shall be available for inspection
3 upon demand of any law enforcement officer.
4 (5) Except for the eye protection requirements of this
5 section, enforcement of this section by state or local law
6 enforcement agencies shall be accomplished only as a secondary action
7 when an operator or passenger has been cited or charged with another
8 violation of the Nebraska Rules of the Road.
9 (6) For purposes of this section, eye protection means
10 glasses that cover the orbital region of a person's face, a
11 protective face shield attached to a protective helmet, goggles, or a
12 windshield on the motorcycle that protects the operator's and
13 passenger's horizontal line of vision in all operating positions.
14 (7) A person exempt from subsection (2) of this section
15 shall have the words "helmet not required" printed on his or her
16 Class M operator's license or on his or her operator's license
17 underneath the Class M endorsement.

18 Sec. 2. Original section 60-6,279, Reissue Revised
Statutes of Nebraska, is repealed.


*Note: changes are underlined.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: SBarry on January 06, 2011, 06:00:09 PM
I would love to see this pass, but I will still wear my helmet 95% of the time.

I bet it doesn't make it out of commitee unless he makes it a priority bill.

Nebraska can use the revenue lost by Sturgis goers who drive around Nebraska to get there. Food sales, gas sales and speeding ticket revenue would help out the state tremendously.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: DaveB on January 06, 2011, 06:28:57 PM
I also would like to see it pass, also, I will continue wearing mine most of the time. But it would be good on a day like today was to just jump on the bike to go for a quick 15 minute ride.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: Ronvandyn on January 07, 2011, 01:27:45 PM
This is not a bill I can support.

Ron
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: wrenrj1 on January 17, 2011, 12:50:39 PM
Has it ever been proven that Nebraska's revenue would increase due to no helmets from those who are traveling to Sturges.  Seems to me that if I lived in Kansas and points south, I'd rather put on a helmet and to through NE than spend time/money going around. 

On another point, seems that there are an awful lot of trucks/trailers etc. carrying MC's with fewer riders making the trip on their bikes.

I vote no on repeal.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: shaggy853 on January 17, 2011, 01:42:55 PM
I think the helmet law should go away, same goes with the seat belt law(except for minors).

I should be able to choose how I live my life and the risks that I take.

With that said, stupid is as stupid does.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: FarmerRick on January 17, 2011, 02:24:53 PM
I am in favor of this bill.

Less government intrusion into my life is a welcome thing. 
I'm fully capable of making the choice myself, as should everyone else of legal age.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: Toster on January 17, 2011, 03:17:08 PM
Sorry guys, nay by me. 

A FULL helmet saved my life!  Even with a "brain bucket" I am pretty sure I would have been a goner.  A head-on in a residential area will change your minds too!  (If you survive!)  The car made a left hand turn right in front of me.  Not enough time to lay it down or anything I left a 8? skid mark put my shoulder where his rearview mirror  was mounted, and went on over the car.  I busted my tibia, 2 vertebrae and scapula (multiple times).  NOT fun!!
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: rluening on January 17, 2011, 03:26:21 PM
I don't ride motorcycles, but I manage to destroy at least one bicycle helmet every other year or so. One of those wrecks likely would have had lasting effects if it weren't for a helmet.

That said, as long as you have insurance so I don't end up subsidizing your long term care, I couldn't care less if you wear a helmet or not.

I've also heard suggestions that helmets may lead to more people surviving accidents in a vegetative state rather than just dying at the scene....

/rl
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: DaveB on January 17, 2011, 03:30:12 PM
Repeal, it is another invasion of rights by a government. While I would wear my helmet nearly all the time, it should be my right. It is also a law that should only be voted on by bike riders. People that don't ride should just keep their nose out of our business.

I lost a friend in Germany while we were riding, a car pulled out in front of us and he went down. If he could have kept his head off of the pavement, he would have lived. The helmet shattered and went through his brain, was dead before he stopped sliding.

Same goes for gun laws, shouldn't have a say unless you are a gun owner.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: Jesse T on January 17, 2011, 03:32:25 PM
People that don't ride should just keep their nose out of our business.

AGREE
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: A-FIXER on January 17, 2011, 09:59:15 PM
Well, I don't ride but it should be the right of the operator! I would hate like HELL, to have a Non-shooter tell me that because he don't shoot, That I have no rights owning a firearm.....!!!!!!
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: JimP on January 17, 2011, 10:01:54 PM
.....


Quote
People that don't ride should just keep their nose out of our business.



...... that 's a tough one there...... I don't ride, and tend to be on the libertarian side of things........ but ...... I am a Volunteer FF/EMT (yeah, I know, Libertarian and workin' for the Man (unpaid, no less!)..... it's my business too, as I have a Duty to scrape you up off the roads: it is so much easier if your brains are inside your head, and your head is inside a helmet..... patient information is easier to get from a conscious patient than trying you go through your various pockets looking for a wallet that may or may not be there.... all the while trying to keep your airway open and your C-spine stable......

Helmets should not be required, so long as the folks that don't want to wear one tattoo "Not An Organ Donor" or "Organ Donor" underneath their chin, right above their adam's apple..... so I'll know whether or not I'm wasting my time keeping organs alive that that may or may not be able to be re-used, based on your wishes........
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: Rob B on January 18, 2011, 06:23:49 AM
I ride, have for 45 yrs. Stupid repeal, helmets work.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: shaggy853 on January 18, 2011, 09:27:56 AM
what if you had to have ATF approved hearing and eye protection every time you operated a firearm?

or maybe it should be a law that you have to wear a condom unless you are specifically trying to reproduce, that would cut down on STDs and unwanted pregnancy, right?

JimP, I respect what you do and thank you for it, but that is a choice that you make.  Someday I will likely be very thankful for someone just like you, but I want to make choices in my life too.

Basically this comes down to me being young, dumb, and not liking to be told what to do.  I've never been caught without a helmet but from what I know the fine isnt steep and it isnt a moving violation.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: maanbr on January 18, 2011, 12:44:37 PM
$50 fine in NE.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: ComputerCowboy on January 19, 2011, 07:23:22 AM
I'm all for the public having rights. I'm all for keeping the cops out of my life. I want people that steal and hurt people to be targets for cops, not seat belt violators. Cripes sakes!
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: LazyAce on January 22, 2011, 06:58:52 PM
I have been in the motorcycle business all of my life. I can see both sides. I always wear a helmet when I am on the road as I have been ran off the road a few times. I don`t like helmets if I am out trying out a bike that I have just worked on and need to listen for something but I deal with it. I have been riding for 55 years now and still able to ride so I will do what I have to so I can continue. I never wore seatbelts but am begining to do that more & more as I get older. Too many idiots on the roads these days.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: gwilly on January 29, 2011, 09:58:43 AM
Tough call......gonna be a tough sell to get it passed too.
I wear a helmet. I've tried all types & am currently using a full-face top of the line model. (The weight & ventilation has improved immensely .....technology is a marvelous thing!) That would be my choice.....required by law or not. I've gone without in states that allow it. It just doesn't feel right ???...LOL
If they'd amend the introduced no-helmet law to state that new riders are required to pass a motorcycle safety course to get their license it might have a better chance. I'd rather see the time & money & effort spent on MORE education.
I know, I know, additional intrusion...... ::)

Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: gwilly on January 29, 2011, 10:02:42 AM
Tough call......gonna be a tough sell to get it passed too.
I wear a helmet. I've tried all types & am currently using a full-face top of the line model. (The weight & ventilation has improved immensely .....technology is a marvelous thing!) That would be my choice.....required by law or not. I've gone without in states that allow it. It just doesn't feel right ???...LOL
If they'd amend the introduced no-helmet law to state that new riders are required to pass a motorcycle safety course to get their license it might have a better chance. I'd rather see the time & money & effort spent on MORE education.
I know, I know, additional intrusion...... ::)


oops.......just read the ENTIRE draft of the law & it DOES include the the requirement of a MSC.......I can support this!
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: armed and humorous on January 29, 2011, 06:28:18 PM
I was just discussing this today with my brother and wondering what the status might be of this bill.  I think it ought to be a rider's choice, but I can also see the point of those who don't feel like having their tax dollar go to support an injured or killed rider or his family when the rider may have been saved by a helmet.  I would probably still wear mine on road trips, but perhaps not for short jaunts in town.  I recently checked the maps for helmet laws (like the ones on CCW laws), and it appears there are still enough states around requiring helmets that it would be difficult to go very far without one.  Still, most of us probably do most of our riding within our home state, so that would be the most weighty factor.  When I head to Virginia in June, Illinois is the only state with no helmet requirement that I will be transversing.  I think I could get by without one in North Carolina (or was it Kentucky?) as long as I have proof of health insurance that would cover me in case of an injury.  Some people might think that's a good idea too, to require the rider to have health insurance before being allowed to ride without a helmet.  The bad part about that is, that the cops wouldn't know if you did or not without stopping you for some reason.  And, if you crash and die without it, it's a bit late to ticket you for not having it.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: Jay on February 01, 2011, 10:46:09 AM
Repeal it, it's my choice!

And yes, I have crashed motorcylces, seen my good friends and family members hauled off in ambulances after crashes, and been a volunteer firefighter and been driving the rescue squad when I drove it to the emergency room with a rider after a crash. Some were wearing helmets and some were not. I don't care, it's their choice as much as it is mine.

I made our entire group stay out of Nebraska last year on our trip to and from Sturgis because Kim and I did not even take helmets with us. We had someone meet us at the toll bridge in plattsmouth to pick up our helmets and take them home. I never ride in Nebraska unlesss I have to.

Riding with a helmet is just not the same, not even close.
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: FarmerRick on February 01, 2011, 01:02:58 PM
The hearing for LB52 has been scheduled for Feb. 14th in room 1113.

http://nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar/hearings.php?day=2011-02-14 (http://nebraskalegislature.gov/calendar/hearings.php?day=2011-02-14)
Title: Re: Bill repealing the NE helmet law introduced 1/06/11
Post by: Roper on February 01, 2011, 07:53:05 PM
A)It should be the riders choice. B) The rider and/or the rider's estate  100% are liable for all expenses that their insurance doesn't cover - no ability to write off the debt or file bankruptcy.  It's that simple.....