Yesterday the North Carolina House of Transportation Committee approved legislation that would repeal the state's current mandatory motorcycle helmet law. 

 

Helmets would be optional for those who meet the following requirements; the rider must be 21 or older, have had a motorcycle endorsement for more than 1 year, and have an additional $10,000 in medical insurance.

 

Some government leaders in North Carolina ride themselves, but have different views on the helmet repeal. Rep. Rodney Moore, a Charlotte Democrat, who hasn't been on a motorcycle in years, explains that he always wore a helmet when he did ride, "but when you look at a person's rights, they have a right to decide whether they want to wear a helmet or not. They should be able to make a reasonable decision,” (NC House committee endorses helmets-optional law for motorcyclists, Bruce Siceloff, News Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/03/26/2781722/nc-house-committee-endorses-helmets.html). Another motorcyclist Rep. Rick Catlin, recalls an accident in which his helmet saved his life, and therefore expresses “concerns about the cost to the public of long-term brain injuries,” (NC House committee endorses helmets-optional law for motorcyclists, Bruce Siceloff, News Observer).

 

The legislation is not law yet however; it must first pass through the House of Judiciary Committee, the full House and the Senate.