Even South Georgia motorcycle dealers say helmets should not be optional

Even South Georgia motorcycle dealers say helmets should not be optional

By Jim Wallace
ALBANY, GA (WALB) -Georgia legislators proposed a bill that would allow
some motorcycle riders to choose not to wear a helmet.

Even some South Georgia motorcycle dealers think that is just a bad
idea.

House Bill 317 would allow motorcycle riders who are 21 years old, with
two years riding experience, and maintain at least ten thousand dollars
in medical insurance to ride without a helmet.

Harley Davidson of Albany riding instructors say that choice would come
with a high price.

Harley Davidson of Albany Program Manager Tammy Taliaferro said “Our
insurance rates would skyrocket just like they did in Florida. Then they
may turn even to mandatory safety classes before you can purchase a
motorcycle. Right not I just think the helmet would be a better way to
go.”

Taliaferro said safety is just too important for motorcycle riders not
to wear a helmet. In 2006, 157 Georgians were killed in motorcycle
crashes, and more than 3000 were injured.

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