Two  big items currently require our attention and work:

1.  Certain groups are laying the groundwork to make a move to get the helmet law brought back.  As usual, the media is right with them publishing misleading facts and propaganda.  Recent articles in the local paper would lead those uneducated among us to think that the repeal of the helmet law has resulted in carnage on the highways of Arkansas.  The truth is exactly the opposite has happened.  The fatality rate in Arkansas was 17.7 fatalities per 10,000 registered bikes before the repeal of the helmet law.  Since the helmet law was repealed, the fatality rate has dropped to 11.3 fatalities per 10,000 registered bikes.  While this is beyond belief to the anti-biker community, it mimics the trend in other non-helmet states.  This is not to say that people are stupid for wearing a helmet.  There are instances where a helmet can save a life, but there are also situations where the use of a helmet can cost a life.  There are similarities between the helmet debate and the seat belt debate.  Many argued that although use of a seatbelt has and does cause the death of a percentage of people, the percentage of people whose lives are saved by wearing a seat belt is much larger.  It is in the collective interest of all people to wear seat belts.  The facts support the same logic when considering helmets.  Some people will die because they chose not to wear a helmet, but more people per 10,000 registered bikes will die if helmets are made mandatory.   As ABATE members and motorcyclists, it is our responsibility to educate the public to what is in our best interest.  Do you really want the guy down the street who has never ridden a bike and knows nothing about motorcycles voting on what protective gear you should or should not be wearing?  ABATE supports education and freedom.  The helmet law is fundamentally opposed to both.

2.  There is a movement at the federal level to make all motorcycles meet the 2006 emission standards.  Although all the information isn't out yet on this move, it is possible that, if enacted, the law would restrict even changing handlebars on a bike.

 

 

 

 

ABATE District II website manager: Spike