Jake
February 12th, 2004, 06:44 AM
Motorcyclists who show proof of insurance and are at least 21 years old would be allowed to ride helmet-free in Virginia under legislation that narrowly escaped a House committee.
The bill, sponsored by Prince William Delegate Scott Lingamfelter, passed the House Transportation Committee on a 10-to-9 vote yesterday after a subcommittee recommended killing it.
Even though the bill escaped committee, it faces an uncertain future in the full House.
Jim Cannon, director of the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists, says 31 states have repealed helmet laws since 1996.
Doctors say statistics show a dramatic increase in motorcycle injuries and treatment costs after states drop the law. Nancy Martin, trauma program director at V-C-U Medical Center, said unhelmeted victims spend 50 percent more time in the hospital on average than helmeted victims of accidents.
The bill, sponsored by Prince William Delegate Scott Lingamfelter, passed the House Transportation Committee on a 10-to-9 vote yesterday after a subcommittee recommended killing it.
Even though the bill escaped committee, it faces an uncertain future in the full House.
Jim Cannon, director of the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists, says 31 states have repealed helmet laws since 1996.
Doctors say statistics show a dramatic increase in motorcycle injuries and treatment costs after states drop the law. Nancy Martin, trauma program director at V-C-U Medical Center, said unhelmeted victims spend 50 percent more time in the hospital on average than helmeted victims of accidents.