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Pro-Helmet Lobby Weak

Miguel Hardy, 24, was killed last year after he flew from his Harley-Davidson motorcycle near his Phoenix home. Hardy's father, Tim, expresses anger at the driver who hit Miguel, causing him to fall from his motorcycle, anger at the police who Hardy says did not adequately investigate the crash, and a motorcycle group that did not help them. However, Hardy does not blame an Arizona law that allowed his son to ride without wearing a helmet. "If riders don't feel they need one, they shouldn't be told they have to wear one," Hardy says. "I mean, we are in the U.S. I served 20 years in the military for our rights." Hardy, who lives in Austin, also rides motorcycles.

Motorcyclists encouraged Congress to block the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from lobbying as state legislatures considered repealing helmet laws in the late 1990s. In 2005, Congress gave states $25 million to help educate about motorcycle safety and motorcyclists helped make sure none of the funds could be spent on promoting helmets. Currently, no "pro-helmet" lobby exists. Motorcyclists are adamant about helmet laws not being put into place because so much of riding a motorcycle is a feeling of freedom.

Related Links:
Legal View: Traumatic Brain Injury
Current US Motorcycle and Bicycle Helmet Laws
Motorcycle Helmet Laws Pushed
Efforts To Pass New Helmet Laws Intensify
The Great Helmet Debate Continues