Sun, Sep 07 2008
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Published May 12, 2008 08:11 pm - Helmet debate rides on By Keith Purtell Phoenix Staff Writer Early on Mother’s Day, a motorcyclist died when he struck a guard rail along Interstate 40 in Sequoyah County and was thrown 50 feet.
The 33-year-old driver was pronounced dead on arrival due to massive head and internal injuries, despite the fact he was wearing a helmet. Being required to wear a helmet can provoke strong feelings either positive or negative among motorcyclists. Keith Baughman, 32, who owns Quizno’s Sub on North Main Street, said he’s been riding motorcycles since he was 3. “I own several,” he said. “Most the ones I have right now are Japanese, but I will ride a Harley with the best of them.” Baughman said there’s something very pleasurable about the experience of riding a motorcycle. “It’s just the freedom of the open road; it clears your mind,” he said. “It’s stress relief. It’s almost like a drug.” Not having a motorcycle only reminds Baughman of how much the sport means to him. “There have been times in my life when I didn’t have a bike, and every time I would see one, I would think, ‘Oh gosh I’ve got to get one of those,’” he said. “I had to sell all my motorcycles when I opened Quizno’s. Leif (a friend) brought his Harley over and just said, ‘Here, ride.’” Although he does not believe the government should force helmets on riders, Baughman said he wears one by choice. “I believe it is up to us as people to wear a helmet or not,” he said. “I wear them, although in the dead heat of summer, I’ll just wear a little beanie helmet.” Baughman said the common sense of wearing a helmet was demonstrated lately. “I had an accident recently where my head hit the ditch,” he said. “If it weren’t for my helmet, it would have cracked my head wide open. Sometimes the cycle shop will run a special on helmets. You have to decide; how much is your head worth?” According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the history of motorcycle helmet laws in the United States is characterized by change. In 1967, to increase motorcycle helmet use, the federal government required states to enact helmet use laws to qualify for certain federal safety programs and highway construction funds. By the early 1970s, almost all the states had universal motorcycle helmet laws (”universal” in the sense that they covered all riders). 
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