NY motorcyclist dies after hitting head on pavement during protest against helmets.

[slabo]

-A person suffers an injury that (in this instance) may very well have been avoided had they used the proper protection regardless of what the law states.
-Another person uses the proper protection but still suffers an injury equal to the guy above (I don't know why. Use your imagination).
Should the guy below get a discount in the hospital?
Should the guy above have to pay a bit extra?
Nobody should be turned away from a hospital and I doubt that it will ever be that way but still, it's a large subject containing plenty to discuss. More importantly, those who go without protection (for whatever reason) are setting an example for other people/younger generations who may, due to the wrong influence, get themselves killed one day just like the protesting NY biker did.
This thing could go to a whole new level with some other examples.

Yes, if you forget to wear your helmet and crash, you should be treated the same as a rider who crashed wearing a helmet.

But my comment followed barone's. If someone wants helmets to be optional, i.e. not required by law, then yes, they should be refused treatment at the hospital.

Do you agree to laws enforcing car passengers to use seatbelts? It's the police's job to make sure you don't forget to fasten your seatbelt. A fine or two should help one's memory. It should be the same for riders.

[euphonius]

OK, fellas, I think we've all made our respective points, and done so politely and respectfully -- which is as it should be. Seems a fellow rider gave his life so we could have this discussion. I'd hate to see this thread degenerate into a hockey match or a "which oil" debate, if you know what I mean. I'm no moderator, but I'm in favor of moving on...

cheers!

[Gardo]

I'm with Euphonius on this, we can agree to disagree and still laugh over a pint

[slabo]

someone said pint?

[barnone]

Here is a helmet for you "government ain't gonna tell me what to do" guys.

[slabo]

Here is a helmet for you "government ain't gonna tell me what to do" guys.

pure genius .. now combine that with a wig of your choice, and no one could ever notice it's not the original artsy you! Source please barnone?

Edit: google skinhead helmet >> http://good.kz/adds/EXPERIMENTS/Helmets

[barnone]

And what your head looks like if you don't wear a helmet.