First Class Session
Should a Motorcycle Driver have a Constitutional Right Not to Wear a
Helmet?
As a motorcycle rider, I have many constitutional rights. I am
susceptible to many privileges as a paying, law-abiding citizen as well.
I have the freedom to go out with my legally earned money and purchase
a motorcycle for my own personal entertainment and transportation. I can
travel anywhere not prohibited by law. As long as I operate the vehicle in
a manner that doesn’t cause harm to anyone or violate anyone’s rights or
break any laws, I can exercise my freedom.
“ The ninth amendment to the constitution establishes that the people
have rights in addition to those specified in the constitution.”
(Jentz and Miller 20)
There are twenty state laws and eight-four local laws that require
motorcyclist and/or cyclist under a certain age and their passengers, to
wear helmets while riding. As a precaution against head injuries and
fatalities resulting from injuries sustained in bike accidents, these laws
were passed.
If I choose to buy and operate a motorcycle that is my right. It is
also a privilege. I’m privileged to be able to buy and use this
manufactured vehicle for personal or public use. It’s my right to be
informed of the dangers of riding a motorcycle prior to purchase. It is my
right to be informed of a helmet law. I am privileged to have the helmet
law enforced upon me because it is protecting the safety of my passengers
and myself.
Many helmet law advocates claim benefits to public safety health
justify the legislative sacrifice of fundamental democratic rights and
individual freedom. I agree with this belief.
As a motorcycle rider my rights and privileges are many. As long as I
abide by the laws enforced upon me, I have my rights and freedoms. I am
subject to many privileges and the ability to purchase and ride a
motorcycle is one of them. I should be required to wear a helmet while
riding for my own protection without feeling that my rights are being
violated.
Works Cited
Miller, Roger L. and Gaylord A. Jentz. Business Law Today: The
Essentials. 5th edition. United States: West Legal Studies in Business,
2000.