CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE TODAY & ASK 5 OF YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME THEN ASK 5 OF THEIR FRIENDS AND SO ON…. FREEDOM WILL NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!
The Tennessee Senate passed the current helmet bill to allow adults 21 and over the right to choose. The bill is currently in the House Finance Committee to be heard by the Budget Subcommittee when they return in January of 2008. Below are the committee members who have NOT agreed to vote in favor of HB1283. Call their local office number or their Nashville office. Ask them to support and Co-Sponsor HB 1283.
Speaker Jimmy Naifeh – Covington 901 476-9593 or 615 741-3774
Lois DeBerry – Memphis - Speaker ProTem 901 743-1133 or 615 741-3830
Craig Fitzhugh – Chairman (Finance) Ripley 731 772-8978 or 716 741-2134
Harry Tindell – Chairman of (Budget) Knoxville 865 524-7200 or 615 741-2031
Joe Armstrong – Knoxville 865 532-6374 or 615 741-0768
Nathan Vaughn – Knoxville 615 741-6867
Bill Dunn – Knoxville 865 687-4904 or 615 741-1721
Doug Overbey – Maryville 865 681-8236 or 615 741-0981
Jason Mumpower – Bristol 423 989-3234 or 615 741-2050
Dennis Roach – Rutledge 865 828-4356 or 615 741-2534
Gary Odom – Nashville 615 356-5096 or 615 741-4110
Janis Sontany – Nashville 615 741-6861
Charles Sargent – Franklin 615 771-7222 or 615 741-6808
John Hood – Murfreesboro 615 893-4651 615 741-7849
Kent Coleman – Murfreesboro – 615 741-6829
Stratton Bone – Lebanon 615 444-1717or 615 741-7085
Rob Briley – East Nashville 615 741-2184
Charles Curtiss – Sparta 931 761-2765 or 615 741-1963
Tommie Brown, Ms., - Chattanooga – 615 741-4374
Johnny Shaw – Bolivar 731 658-8925 or 615 741-4538
Phillip Pinion – Union City 731 885-9175 or 615 741-0718
Larry Miller – Memphis 901 272-7884 or 615 741-4453
The following should be urged to continue their strong support of freedom and HB1283.
Steve McDaniels – Parkers Crossroads 731 968-7883 or 615 741-0750 (Co-Sponsor)
Michael Harrison – Rogersville 615 741-7480 (Co-Sponsor)
Randy Rinks – Pickwick Dam – 731 925-3985 or 615 741-2007
Harry Brooks – Knoxville – 615 741-6879 (Co-Sponsor)
Beth Harwell – Nashville 615 385-0357 or 615 741-0709 (Co-Sponsor)
Mark Maddox – Dresden 731 364-2685 or 615 741-7847
The best discussion you can have with your representative is face to face. Call and make an appointment to see them in your district. Let them know that you are in favor of HB 1283 and that you would appreciate their support. This issue is not about helmets, it is about a law mandating helmets under the threat of fines and jail time! Adults should have the freedom to choose!
Questions? Call Mike Hays – Legislative Director CMT/ABATE 615 469-2567 legislative@cmtabate.com
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
URGENT CALL TO ACTION!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice-President of Government Relations jeff@mrf.org (e-mail)
URGENT CALL TO ACTION
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation issues urgent call to action.
Washington DC July 23rd 2007 9:31 PM
The United States House of Representatives is scheduled to consider the
FY2008 Transportation, House and Urban Development Appropriations bill (HR
3074) Tuesday July 24th 2007. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has learned of a last minute attempt to eliminate the funding of the 2010 motorcycle safety grant program created in the last highway bill (PL 109-59).
Representative Jeb Henserling (R-TX) is the author of the amendment as well as many many more all directed to eliminate funding for various safety programs and other programs deemed by Heserling as unnecessary and a waste of money. Henserling who is head of the ultra conservative House caucus known as the Republican Study Committee routinely attempts to eradicate funding for good programs. The RSC aims to keep the budget balanced, fight off new taxes and advance the uber conservative Republican agenda.
"A balanced budget and low taxes are both good things but Henserling severely missed the mark when he chose to use the elimination of funding for motorcycle safety awareness programs as the vehicle to bring down the national debt" said Jeff Hennie Vice President of Government Relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. He added, "with motorcycle rider-ship and fatalities both at all time highs; it's completely irresponsible for Mr. Henserling to want to remove this much needed and wildly popular safety grant program."
Not to mention the House Appropriations Committee has already had several rounds of hearings and markups on this bill and then agreed to keep all of the programs fully funded and to increase funding for some the very same programs Henserling wants to cut.
In accordance with House rules, Henserling does not have to pre-print or pre-file any of his amendments. He can simply go to the floor with his amendment in hand and drop it on the desk of the clerk. Because of this no amendment number is available as of press time.
In order to stop this amendment from passing the US House the MRF is asking you to contact your Federal Representative as early on Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 as you can. This bill could be considered as early as noon EST on July 24, 2007. Ask your Representative to vote no on the Henserling amendment to remove funding ($6 million) for motorcyclist safety to the FY2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.
If you know who your Federal Representative is you can reach the US Capitol switch board at 202 224 3121. You can identify your Federal Representative at this website: http://www.house.gov/writerep/ It is important to make a phone call this time, email will not be quick enough to get the word out. Call early and call often.
The MRF will keep you informed on this issue as it develops.
Jeff Hennie
Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice-President of Government Relations jeff@mrf.org (e-mail)
URGENT CALL TO ACTION
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation issues urgent call to action.
Washington DC July 23rd 2007 9:31 PM
The United States House of Representatives is scheduled to consider the
FY2008 Transportation, House and Urban Development Appropriations bill (HR
3074) Tuesday July 24th 2007. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has learned of a last minute attempt to eliminate the funding of the 2010 motorcycle safety grant program created in the last highway bill (PL 109-59).
Representative Jeb Henserling (R-TX) is the author of the amendment as well as many many more all directed to eliminate funding for various safety programs and other programs deemed by Heserling as unnecessary and a waste of money. Henserling who is head of the ultra conservative House caucus known as the Republican Study Committee routinely attempts to eradicate funding for good programs. The RSC aims to keep the budget balanced, fight off new taxes and advance the uber conservative Republican agenda.
"A balanced budget and low taxes are both good things but Henserling severely missed the mark when he chose to use the elimination of funding for motorcycle safety awareness programs as the vehicle to bring down the national debt" said Jeff Hennie Vice President of Government Relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. He added, "with motorcycle rider-ship and fatalities both at all time highs; it's completely irresponsible for Mr. Henserling to want to remove this much needed and wildly popular safety grant program."
Not to mention the House Appropriations Committee has already had several rounds of hearings and markups on this bill and then agreed to keep all of the programs fully funded and to increase funding for some the very same programs Henserling wants to cut.
In accordance with House rules, Henserling does not have to pre-print or pre-file any of his amendments. He can simply go to the floor with his amendment in hand and drop it on the desk of the clerk. Because of this no amendment number is available as of press time.
In order to stop this amendment from passing the US House the MRF is asking you to contact your Federal Representative as early on Tuesday, July 24th, 2007 as you can. This bill could be considered as early as noon EST on July 24, 2007. Ask your Representative to vote no on the Henserling amendment to remove funding ($6 million) for motorcyclist safety to the FY2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill.
If you know who your Federal Representative is you can reach the US Capitol switch board at 202 224 3121. You can identify your Federal Representative at this website: http://www.house.gov/writerep/ It is important to make a phone call this time, email will not be quick enough to get the word out. Call early and call often.
The MRF will keep you informed on this issue as it develops.
Jeff Hennie
Saturday, July 21, 2007
ROWV Justice?
Saturday, 07/21/07
Illegal immigrant sentenced to 25 years in fatal DUI wreck
By SHEILA BURKEStaff Writer
An illegal immigrant convicted in a fatal DUI wreck on Friday described the U.S. as a great country and apologized to the family of the renowned Nashville mandolin maker he killed.
But Julio Villasana's words did little to reduce the pain felt by the widow of Charlie Derrington, who died in an August 2006 head-on collision as he rode home on his motorcycle along Briley Parkway.
After his comments, Villasana was sentenced to 25 years in prison for causing the accident by being drunk and driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic. A federal agent who testified during the hours-long hearing said Villasana, 34, had been deported from the U.S. 14 times before the deadly wreck, only to return each time.
He had four previous DUI arrests.
"I don't know how that can happen," said Derrington's wife, Susan. "I'm very much in favor of closing the borders."
Loss is still painful
Losing her husband of 24 years, she said, has been almost unbearable.
"Just getting out of bed at times has been a daunting task," Susan Derrington said. "I missed two months of work because I could barely function."
Under Tennessee law, Villasana must serve 30 percent, or 7½ years, of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
"I just don't know that there's anything short of a maximum sentence that can protect the citizens from Mr. Villasana's outright disregard and flagrant violations of the laws of the state of Tennessee," Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Mark Fishburn said in imposing the sentence.
Villasana's blood-alcohol level was more than four times the legal limit when he crashed into Derrington's motorcycle on Briley in west Nashville.
Witnesses told police that he laughed as he fled the scene of the crash.
Villasana denied laughing and fleeing, but Davidson County Assistant District Attorney General Kathy Morante reminded him that he had agreed with those statements when he pleaded guilty.
Charlie Derrington, 51, was the production manager of Nashville-based Gibson Musical Instrument's mandolin division.
He reassembled bluegrass legend Bill Monroe's prized 1925 Gibson mandolin after it was smashed by a burglar in the musician's home.
Illegal immigrant sentenced to 25 years in fatal DUI wreck
By SHEILA BURKEStaff Writer
An illegal immigrant convicted in a fatal DUI wreck on Friday described the U.S. as a great country and apologized to the family of the renowned Nashville mandolin maker he killed.
But Julio Villasana's words did little to reduce the pain felt by the widow of Charlie Derrington, who died in an August 2006 head-on collision as he rode home on his motorcycle along Briley Parkway.
After his comments, Villasana was sentenced to 25 years in prison for causing the accident by being drunk and driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic. A federal agent who testified during the hours-long hearing said Villasana, 34, had been deported from the U.S. 14 times before the deadly wreck, only to return each time.
He had four previous DUI arrests.
"I don't know how that can happen," said Derrington's wife, Susan. "I'm very much in favor of closing the borders."
Loss is still painful
Losing her husband of 24 years, she said, has been almost unbearable.
"Just getting out of bed at times has been a daunting task," Susan Derrington said. "I missed two months of work because I could barely function."
Under Tennessee law, Villasana must serve 30 percent, or 7½ years, of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
"I just don't know that there's anything short of a maximum sentence that can protect the citizens from Mr. Villasana's outright disregard and flagrant violations of the laws of the state of Tennessee," Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Mark Fishburn said in imposing the sentence.
Villasana's blood-alcohol level was more than four times the legal limit when he crashed into Derrington's motorcycle on Briley in west Nashville.
Witnesses told police that he laughed as he fled the scene of the crash.
Villasana denied laughing and fleeing, but Davidson County Assistant District Attorney General Kathy Morante reminded him that he had agreed with those statements when he pleaded guilty.
Charlie Derrington, 51, was the production manager of Nashville-based Gibson Musical Instrument's mandolin division.
He reassembled bluegrass legend Bill Monroe's prized 1925 Gibson mandolin after it was smashed by a burglar in the musician's home.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Biker Discrimination - End it Now!
Anti-Discrimination bill headed to Washington July 19, 2007 06:40 PM EDT
When you get sick or hurt how do you pay for your medical care? Usually it's through your work. But if you're injured riding a motorcycle, will the same health insurance you receive through your job cover you?
Strapping on his gloves, lowering the visor on his helmet, WAFF 48 Photojournalist Blake Mann goes through his pre-ride routine. Checking for a break in traffic, he knows accidents can, and will happen even to the most cautious biker. One worry many who ride a motorcycle face is if their medical bills would be covered in the event of a crash. While your insurance provider may offer coverage, employers can deny benefit payouts.
Scott Newland, store manager for Rocket City Power Sports in Huntsville, doesn't agree with the law. "The mid-90's law was written poorly. In the first place, leave out that kind of loophole this is something that should have been taken care of a long time ago," says Scott Newland.The American Motorcyclist Association agrees and is fighting to have the law re-written. They want to eliminate discrimination against anyone who rides and get rid of an expensive loophole.
"Basically they said you could not deny coverage to a motorcyclist. They didn't have to pay benefits that's the loophole. Current law. Close the loophole," says Newland.Until new rules are put into place, bikers take their chances on the highways, hoping they are not involved in a crash that could devastate their finances. "Primarily motorcyclists are some of the safest guys on the road. Time for a change time to fix broken law," says Newland.
What can you do?You can send a message in support of "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act" bill to your Congressman and Senators. That website is www.AMADirectlink.com
When you get sick or hurt how do you pay for your medical care? Usually it's through your work. But if you're injured riding a motorcycle, will the same health insurance you receive through your job cover you?
Strapping on his gloves, lowering the visor on his helmet, WAFF 48 Photojournalist Blake Mann goes through his pre-ride routine. Checking for a break in traffic, he knows accidents can, and will happen even to the most cautious biker. One worry many who ride a motorcycle face is if their medical bills would be covered in the event of a crash. While your insurance provider may offer coverage, employers can deny benefit payouts.
Scott Newland, store manager for Rocket City Power Sports in Huntsville, doesn't agree with the law. "The mid-90's law was written poorly. In the first place, leave out that kind of loophole this is something that should have been taken care of a long time ago," says Scott Newland.The American Motorcyclist Association agrees and is fighting to have the law re-written. They want to eliminate discrimination against anyone who rides and get rid of an expensive loophole.
"Basically they said you could not deny coverage to a motorcyclist. They didn't have to pay benefits that's the loophole. Current law. Close the loophole," says Newland.Until new rules are put into place, bikers take their chances on the highways, hoping they are not involved in a crash that could devastate their finances. "Primarily motorcyclists are some of the safest guys on the road. Time for a change time to fix broken law," says Newland.
What can you do?You can send a message in support of "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act" bill to your Congressman and Senators. That website is www.AMADirectlink.com
Right to Repair Your Own Veicle?
Call your US Reps and ask them to co-sponsor HR2694
MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation236 Massachusetts Ave. NESuite 510Washington, DC 20002-4980202-546-0983 (voice)202-546-0986 (fax)http://www.mrf.org (website)FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice-President of Government Relationsjeff@mrf.org (e-mail)
Right to Repair Bill Introduced in US House
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that the U.S. House of Representatives has re-introduced legislation that would return the right to repair to the vehicle owner instead of the original manufacturer.
Thanks go to Rep Ed Towns, D-NY who introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) into the 110th Congress. Joining Rep Towns as original co-sponsors were Reps G.K. Butterfield, D-NC; Anna Eshoo, D-CA; Steven LaTourette, R-OH; George Miller, D-CA and James Moran, D-VA.
The need for right to repair legislation has become apparent due to theincreasing use of computers and electronics that control nearly every motor vehicle function from fuel delivery, braking, lighting, and emissions to entertainment. Although computers provide many benefits tomotorists through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for motor vehicle manufacturing companies to lock out access by car owners and the independent repair shops whereowners choose to obtain service for their vehicles.
HR 2694 would require that car companies provide full access to all tools and service information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.HR 2694 is similar to last years measure (HR 2048); however some differences exist between the two bills. This year's legislation had to take into account several factors, including the new leadership in Congress and Committees. In addition, although sponsored by the sittingEnergy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) last Congress, HR2048 barely limped out of subcommittee and failed to be taken up by the full committee or the House floor. Dealing with the new Chairman John Dingell (D-OH), who has been extremely outspoken against this bill, is certainly a challenge. Dingell, who has defended Detroit manufacturing against the environmental lobby for decades, has had a change of heart. Now that the Motor City isn't the vast field of smoke stacks it once was, that change may be sincere. As the newest environmentalist, perhaps Dingell can understand that a well-tuned and maintained vehicle gets higher mpgs, is therefore betterfor the environment, and we should be removing barriers to convenient and proper vehicle maintenance. HR 2694 now has eleven co-sponsors and has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce committee. No Senate legislation has been introducedas of press time. The MRF encourages you to contact your FederalRepresentative and ask them to co sponsor HR 2694. As always, the MRF will keep you posted on any developments. Jeff Hennie
MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation236 Massachusetts Ave. NESuite 510Washington, DC 20002-4980202-546-0983 (voice)202-546-0986 (fax)http://www.mrf.org (website)FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice-President of Government Relationsjeff@mrf.org (e-mail)
Right to Repair Bill Introduced in US House
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports that the U.S. House of Representatives has re-introduced legislation that would return the right to repair to the vehicle owner instead of the original manufacturer.
Thanks go to Rep Ed Towns, D-NY who introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) into the 110th Congress. Joining Rep Towns as original co-sponsors were Reps G.K. Butterfield, D-NC; Anna Eshoo, D-CA; Steven LaTourette, R-OH; George Miller, D-CA and James Moran, D-VA.
The need for right to repair legislation has become apparent due to theincreasing use of computers and electronics that control nearly every motor vehicle function from fuel delivery, braking, lighting, and emissions to entertainment. Although computers provide many benefits tomotorists through improved fuel efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for motor vehicle manufacturing companies to lock out access by car owners and the independent repair shops whereowners choose to obtain service for their vehicles.
HR 2694 would require that car companies provide full access to all tools and service information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.HR 2694 is similar to last years measure (HR 2048); however some differences exist between the two bills. This year's legislation had to take into account several factors, including the new leadership in Congress and Committees. In addition, although sponsored by the sittingEnergy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) last Congress, HR2048 barely limped out of subcommittee and failed to be taken up by the full committee or the House floor. Dealing with the new Chairman John Dingell (D-OH), who has been extremely outspoken against this bill, is certainly a challenge. Dingell, who has defended Detroit manufacturing against the environmental lobby for decades, has had a change of heart. Now that the Motor City isn't the vast field of smoke stacks it once was, that change may be sincere. As the newest environmentalist, perhaps Dingell can understand that a well-tuned and maintained vehicle gets higher mpgs, is therefore betterfor the environment, and we should be removing barriers to convenient and proper vehicle maintenance. HR 2694 now has eleven co-sponsors and has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce committee. No Senate legislation has been introducedas of press time. The MRF encourages you to contact your FederalRepresentative and ask them to co sponsor HR 2694. As always, the MRF will keep you posted on any developments. Jeff Hennie
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Colorado Noise Ordinance - Bike Pipes
By Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News July 18, 2007
A new law in Denver designed to curb motorcycle noise is being challenged in court by an attorney who claims police bikes may be violating the standards that went into effect less than three weeks ago. Attorney Wade Eldridge, himself a biker, also claims the noise ordinance is unconstitutionally vague. The law "lends itself to arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement," he said Tuesday. "The police can stop you for whatever reason." Eldridge's claim that police motorcycles may be exceeding allowable noise levels is disputed by police and city officials. "I think that is a specious argument from an attorney who is trying to get his client off," said Ellen Dumm, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Environmental Health. "He's trying to find some fine hairs to split." The law, born out of a growing number of complaints about loud motorcycle noise in neighborhoods, generated criticism from the start, mostly from bikers who said they were being singled out because of a few rotten apples.
The law limits noise levels to 80 decibels from 25 feet and requires motorcyclists with bikes made after 1982 to have a muffler with an Environmental Protection Agency noise-certification stamp. Eldridge represents a biker ticketed downtown. According to court documents, tests conducted by the city on police motorcycles found sound levels at redline of 81.3 decibels and 81.7 decibels. The accuracy of the sound meters the city used is within plus or minus .5 decibels, so police motorcycles may be in violation of the new law, Eldridge said. But Dumm said the city is confident that the police motorcycles meet EPA standards "simply because the device was calibrated before and after, and (the test) was in a very controlled situation." Besides, she said, police are unlikely to ticket a motorcyclist who's exceeding the noise limit by a few decibels.
Police Capt. Eric Rubin, who used to head the Traffic Operations Bureau, agreed. "We're not really looking for motorcycles that are at 83 or 84 decibels," he said. "The ones that tend to get the attention of the public are considerably higher in decibel rating than that." Eldridge said the law leaves enforcement up to the "unfettered discretion of the individual officer." Eldridge said his client, Stuart Sacks, was told he was stopped because his pipes were too loud. "The officer neither inspected his bike to see if it had the stamp nor did he use a sound meter," he said. "What's this: A gut feeling by the officer that your pipes are too loud?" Rubin didn't know the details of that stop but said officers are using their training and experience in the field "as reasonable suspicion to briefly stop the rider" and check for the EPA stamp.
A new law in Denver designed to curb motorcycle noise is being challenged in court by an attorney who claims police bikes may be violating the standards that went into effect less than three weeks ago. Attorney Wade Eldridge, himself a biker, also claims the noise ordinance is unconstitutionally vague. The law "lends itself to arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement," he said Tuesday. "The police can stop you for whatever reason." Eldridge's claim that police motorcycles may be exceeding allowable noise levels is disputed by police and city officials. "I think that is a specious argument from an attorney who is trying to get his client off," said Ellen Dumm, a spokeswoman for the city's Department of Environmental Health. "He's trying to find some fine hairs to split." The law, born out of a growing number of complaints about loud motorcycle noise in neighborhoods, generated criticism from the start, mostly from bikers who said they were being singled out because of a few rotten apples.
The law limits noise levels to 80 decibels from 25 feet and requires motorcyclists with bikes made after 1982 to have a muffler with an Environmental Protection Agency noise-certification stamp. Eldridge represents a biker ticketed downtown. According to court documents, tests conducted by the city on police motorcycles found sound levels at redline of 81.3 decibels and 81.7 decibels. The accuracy of the sound meters the city used is within plus or minus .5 decibels, so police motorcycles may be in violation of the new law, Eldridge said. But Dumm said the city is confident that the police motorcycles meet EPA standards "simply because the device was calibrated before and after, and (the test) was in a very controlled situation." Besides, she said, police are unlikely to ticket a motorcyclist who's exceeding the noise limit by a few decibels.
Police Capt. Eric Rubin, who used to head the Traffic Operations Bureau, agreed. "We're not really looking for motorcycles that are at 83 or 84 decibels," he said. "The ones that tend to get the attention of the public are considerably higher in decibel rating than that." Eldridge said the law leaves enforcement up to the "unfettered discretion of the individual officer." Eldridge said his client, Stuart Sacks, was told he was stopped because his pipes were too loud. "The officer neither inspected his bike to see if it had the stamp nor did he use a sound meter," he said. "What's this: A gut feeling by the officer that your pipes are too loud?" Rubin didn't know the details of that stop but said officers are using their training and experience in the field "as reasonable suspicion to briefly stop the rider" and check for the EPA stamp.
NC Helmet Law
Since there is no list of DOT approved helmets, challenging the NC law if it passes should get even easier.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY Senate takes new crack at helmet lawAssociated Press
RALEIGH --Motorcyclists would be required to wear safety helmets that meet federal standards under a bill narrowly approved Tuesday by the N.C. Senate.State law requires riders to wear a helmet type approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles commissioner. But the law means some riders have little protection for their heads, said Sen. Ed Jones, D-Halifax."Right now, you can put anything on your head and call it a helmet," he said. Jones offered an amendment to the highway and traffic bill that would require helmets meet standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation."Your motorcycle riders are not going to love you if you pass this amendment," Sen. Don East, R-Surry, warned colleagues before the provision was approved 27-22 on the Senate floor.The full bill passed also was approved 27-22. It returns to the full House, where members will decide whether to accept Senate changes.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY Senate takes new crack at helmet lawAssociated Press
RALEIGH --Motorcyclists would be required to wear safety helmets that meet federal standards under a bill narrowly approved Tuesday by the N.C. Senate.State law requires riders to wear a helmet type approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles commissioner. But the law means some riders have little protection for their heads, said Sen. Ed Jones, D-Halifax."Right now, you can put anything on your head and call it a helmet," he said. Jones offered an amendment to the highway and traffic bill that would require helmets meet standards established by the U.S. Department of Transportation."Your motorcycle riders are not going to love you if you pass this amendment," Sen. Don East, R-Surry, warned colleagues before the provision was approved 27-22 on the Senate floor.The full bill passed also was approved 27-22. It returns to the full House, where members will decide whether to accept Senate changes.
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