Motorcycle statistics

The editorial, “Using Your Head” (BDN, Feb. 4), calls for a mandatory helmet law, but cites 1972 court decisions, less than current data, and somewhat inaccurate statistics in support of this stance. For example, 2004 motorcycle-related fatalities in Maine were 23 with 13 of those killed wearing helmets. The other 10 were not wearing helmets.

While it is true that the number of motorcycle deaths were up for 2004 from 2003, it should be noted that so were the number of motorcycles registered in Maine. From 2000 through 2004 motorcycle registrations increased from 28,892 to 37,351, a whopping 29.3 percent increase. In the past two years alone, Maine motorcycle registrations increased 12.6 percent.

The editorial cites educational efforts to hold down the incidence of accidents, but fails to mention that the Maine Motorcyclists Political Action Committee, the United Bikers of Maine, and the last Maine Legislature worked together to broaden and strengthen the state’s “Share the Road” curriculum for all driver’s ed classes, a proven program which has yet to be fully implemented.

There is a great deal more which needs to be considered before we “throw the baby out with the bath water,” including the effectiveness of the helmets you call for, and the often life-changing injuries they cause.

Changing public policy is the basis of incorrect, incomplete or just plain wrong information not in the best interests of Maine people, or our legislators, who strive mightily to make well-informed and enlightened decisions and sound law.

John R. Hanson

Bangor