January 31, 2007

State Journal-Register
Via e-mail

To the Editor:

Thank you for pointing out that the most life-saving laws aren’t always popular when first introduced (“Benefit of seat belt use evident,” 1-22-07). Doctors have seen firsthand the positive impact mandatory seat belt use has had on reducing driving fatalities and injuries. But come spring when warm weather melts icy roads, doctors will see the all too unfortunate consequences of not having a state law requiring helmet use on motorcycles.

Unhelmeted motorcyclists are over three times as likely to suffer a brain injury as were those who are helmeted, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Doctors have tried multiple times to educate legislators on the need to protect riders from the severe and often life-threatening injuries that can result from riding motorcycles without a helmet, but to no avail. Although NHTSA says that motorcycle helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries, requiring them is simply too unpopular with bike enthusiasts for such a bill to be passed into law in Illinois.

When Governor Thompson signed the mandatory seat belt use bill into law 22 years ago, he stated an important thought that can easily be applied in stating the need for a helmet law. To borrow from Governor Thompson’s words, requiring helmet use on motorcycles “is an instance where the governor should lead public opinion rather than follow it.” In Illinois where motorcycle joyrides can so easily become brain injury tragedies, we hope today’s governor and state legislature are prepared to lead.

Sincerely,

Peter E. Eupierre
President
llinois State Medical Society

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