Carolina Politics Online

MOREHEAD CITY — A new motorcycle helmet law is going into effect Tuesday, but some riders – and even a safety official – have concerns with its implementation.

While some riders just don’t like the fact that they are being mandated to wear a specific type of helmet, Matt Shamblin, state director of the Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Program and a resident here in Carteret , said there are deficiencies with the law that make it difficult to comply with.

The law states that riders of motorcycles and mopeds, as well as their passengers, must wear safety helmets approved by the state commissioner of motor vehicles on their heads, with a retention strap properly secured. The helmets must also comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The new law has created its own controversy among riders.

“Let those who ride decide,” said rider Dan Ropp of Newport concerning helmet models. “Most of those making these laws don’t even ride.”

Carteret County News-Times

I agree with Mr. Ropp.  I believe that God has endowed us all with the right to be stupid if we so desire.  If you are going to ride a motorcycle anywhere be it at 35 MPH or 70 MPH without a helmet then you aren’t the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but I don’t think that is an issue that the legislature should be dealing with.  It’s a matter of personal responsibility.

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