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It is well established that use of a motorcycle helmet can save lives, yet some riders prefer not to wear them. These riders often cite reduced range of vision, a muted sense of surrounding traffic, and personal freedoms. Currently New Mexico law requires helmets only for riders under the age of eighteen, however pending legislation seeks to change this requirement to include riders of all ages to wear one unless a waiver fee is paid. The Szantho Law Firm examined the proposal and discusses some of it’s points.“There is much debate in the motorcycle community concerning this bill,” says Andras Szantho, founder of The Szantho Law Firm. “Many riders are in favor of the proposal, but there is also a percentage opposed for various reasons.”
If passed, Senate Bill 308 would remove the age cap on required helmet usage, making all riders wear them or pay for a waiver. New fines for failure to do so would also be created, and be among the most expensive traffic penalties in the state motor vehicle code.
For the riders who adamantly refuse a helmet the legislation would establish a waiver with special license plate. An increased fee for the option to ride helmet-free would then be divided into several funds to establish care for those injured or killed in accidents where no helmet was present.
“Whether or not the legislation passes, it is recommended that all riders wear helmets.” concludes Szantho. “While funds to help injured riders will reduce the burden on taxpayers, there is nothing better than people recovering fully from an accident.”
The Szantho Law Firm has offices in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. They handle a variety of personal injury cases, including: bicycle accidents, automobile accidents, slip-and-fall, traumatic brain injury, medical malpractice and more. They can be reached for a free consultation at http://www.szantholaw.com or at (505)-820-3366.
Contact Info:
Name: Andras Szantho
Email: Send Email
Organization: The Szantho Law Firm
Address: 210 Montezuma Ave. Ste. 200, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: 505-820-3366
Website: http://www.szantholaw.com
Release ID: 76423
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