[Vision2020] Legistlative update V from Rep. Trail - Feb7-11

[Pat Kraut]

Tom: I would be happy to go before the committees working on this and tell
them what their laws lead to if it would help.
Because I am very much for helmut and seatbelt laws. Or get them to sign
thier organ donor cards and tell their families they mean it.
Pat

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Trail" <ttrail at house.state.id.us>
To: <pkraut at moscow.com>
Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 12:55 PM
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Legistlative update V from Rep. Trail - Feb7-11


Pat--it is the classic argument that we went around
with seat belts--personal responsibility/individual
rights vs public safety and reducing cost to the tax
payers for paying medical costs for motorcyclists
who are insured and not wearing helmets.

Rep. Trail

>>> "Pat Kraut" <pkraut at moscow.com> 02/12/05 10:04 PM >>>
All I ask is that those who ride without a helmut sign their organ donor
cards. There is a reason than transplant surgeons call them donorcycles. We
could save lots of people if they would donate.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Warren Hayman
  To: Jasper Nance
  Cc: vision2020 at moscow.com
  Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2005 4:18 PM
  Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Legistlative update V from Rep. Trail - Feb 7-11


  Well, I don't know. It would seem that driving completely impaired (or
even somewhat) is a concern independent of whatever vehicle one operates.
Me? I don't need no stinkin' law. When my bike was running I loved the
feeling of the wind through long hair.

  At the same time, I never disagreed with the folks who told me that those
who rode sans helmet didn't have the brains to lose anyway. I didn't then,
still don't, but I do have a helmet. I don't need no stinkin' law. I just
use it.

  Warren Hayman

  On Saturday, February 12, 2005, at 03:20 PM, Jasper Nance wrote:


     I dunno, I didn't think helmets were as much of a problem in said
incidents as driving while completely shitfaced was...
                 Not bouncing along the road lines
                        Ms Jasper Nance

    1. Motorcycle Helmet Legislation -- At the request of the ASUI Students,
several Moscow doctors, and others, I introduced legislation that would
require all motorcyclists and passengers to wear helmets. This was voted
down by the Transportation Committee 7-5. Idaho voted in such a law in 67
but it was repealed in 78. The death of three students in Moscow last fall
who were killed in accidents where they weren't wearing helmets triggered my
interest in the issue. Nationally, motorcycle accidents are up 97% since
1997. In Idaho only 39% of motorcyclists wear helmets. The cost of
motorcycle accidents in 2003 was $32 million for those wearing helmets and
$66 million for those not wearing helmets. The evidence is clear that
wearing helmets prevents many deaths and injury.  About 50% of motorcyclists
don't have insurance and so counties or the state pick up the medical
expenses. Those who voted against the bill said it was a matter of personal
responsibility. My point is that the Idaho taxpayer is picking up the
medical costs for these uninsured cyclists that total over a million
dollars. I'll bring the bill back again next year.



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  _____________________________________________________
   List services made available by First Step Internet,
   serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
                 http://www.fsr.net
            mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
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