...Saving Lives: Why All States Should Require Motorcyclists and Passengers to Wear Helmets By Janeal Pope Assignment 3: A Problem Exist ENG215: Research &Writing Pro. Dorothy J Valentine May 3, 2014 Abstract The impact is horrendous. It feels like I am rolling and tumbling forever. I feel my skin burning from sliding on the pavement; my head was traumatized as I continued to roll before finally coming to a stop. My husband recalls the night of his terrible motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists should be required to wear helmets in all states in order to be consistent, to avoid serious head injuries, and to reduce the amount of deaths due to accidents. Inconsistent The first universal motorcycle helmet law was legislated in 1967, and accepted in all but three states. Currently, half the states require helmets for all motorcyclists. Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire are the only states that don’t require motorcyclists to wear helmets (Governors Highway Safety Association, 2014). The federal government has twice enacted universal helmet laws, and then repealed them. In 1976, Congress revoked federal authority to assess penalties for noncompliance and states began to weaken helmet laws to apply, only to young or novice riders (Governors Highway Safety Association, 2014). Thirty-one states have had a universal helmet law repealed (undo law: to officially end the validity of something such as a law). The fact that the law has been repealed on several occasions...
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...Part 1 Jo Ratliff Professor Danny Meadows English 215 November 8, 2015 The monetary cost associated with not wearing a motorcycle helmet is extreme. The loss of life is even more distressing. In recent years we have seen an increase in motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities. Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. According to a government study posted on PubMed (2012), the un-helmeted motorcyclist has more severe injuries than the motorcyclist wearing a helmet. The result is longer hospital stays, possible care after the hospital and higher medical expenses (Boarini DJ, 2012). Society shares the burden with the families of the motorcyclist involved. Insurance cost increases and if the injured person does not have medical, those cost are passed on to the consumer. Before considering owning and riding a motorcycle, the risk associated with not wearing a helmet needs to be considered. The issue of whether or not to wear a helmet is extremely controversial. Some motorcyclists take an emotional stand, stating that to ride with or without a helmet is their choice. They go on to say that taking that choice away is taking away their freedom. Everyone makes choices and decisions every day. Deciding not to become another statistic by wearing a helmet is a good choice. Wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle should be as commonplace as fastening your seatbelt before you start your car. There are always advertisements reminding us to share the highways...
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...Assignment 3: Helmets Save Lives: A Problem Exists Kelli L Adams ENG215231SC043-1148-001 Professor Priscilla Patten Strayer University October 29, 2014 Assignment 3: Helmets Save Lives: A Problem Exists Introduction Motorcycles are a way of life to some people. “Life” is the reason these cyclists and their passengers should be bound by the law to wear helmets. The lives of these cyclists are just as important as the lives of individuals who choose to ride on four wheels. Motorcycle helmets are the most important protective gear a cyclist could wear to enforce the safety of them and their passengers just like a seatbelt protect the lives of motor vehicle operators. Let’s help cyclists live by requiring them to wear the necessary protective gear when they are on the road. History of Universal Helmet Regulation: An Overview of the Problem The universal helmet legislation requires motorcycle riders of all ages to wear helmets. The passing of this legislation has been a prudent and contentious problem with sweeping public health consequences because motorcycle mortalities continue to escalate. As of 2008, only 20 states had implemented this helmet policy. (Homer & French, 2009) In the 1980s and early 1990s, deadly motorcycle crashes were on the decline but began to increase in the late 1990s. In 2006, the number of motorcycle riders killed was 11% of the total traffic deaths, which is the highest account ever. (Homer & French, 2009) Only 19 states and DC...
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...Laws are made to help save people lives and freedom. Wearing a helmet shouldn't be an option; it should be enforced and demanded by all state officials. Helmets saves lives why not wear one. The helmet law was brought to people’s attention in 1967, when the federal government required states to enact universal motorcycle helmet laws to qualify for certain highway safety funds. In 1975, all but 3 states complied. Congress revoked federal authority to assess penalties for non-compliance and the states began to weaken helmet laws to apply only to the young or novice riders (www.nhtsa.gov). There are 47 states, D.C., Guam, The Northern Mariana Island, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands that have a helmet law for motorcyclists. In 2012 there were 19 states, D.C., and 4 territories that have universal helmet law requiring helmets for all riders. The other 28 states and 1 territory have partial laws requiring minors and/or passengers to wear helmets. The last 3 states (Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire) have no helmet use requirements (www.ntsb.gov). The problem that needs to bring to the public attention is that wearing a helmet reduces the overall risk of dying in a crash by 37%. The use of helmets reduces the need for ambulances services, hospitalization, intensive care, rehabilitation, and long term care as a result of motorcycle crashes. All states need to require motorcyclist and passengers to wear a helmet. Many individuals’ young and old are taking life blessings as a...
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... 1- Taxes on alcohol and tobacco should be increased to help pay for rising medical costs Nowadays, we can see smokers and drinkers who are able to hazard their lives in addictions that led them to waste their money and their health in reality. First, we can observe “the heaviest alcohol consumers are also the heaviest consumers of tobacco” or in another word "smokers drink and drinkers smoke." Second, we can recognize that” the association between alcohol and tobacco use, possible mechanisms of their combined health effects, and some implications for alcoholism treatment.” Third, some figures in researching show that “222 of 845 subjects had died over a 12-year period; one-third of these deaths were attributed to alcohol-related causes, and one-half were related to smoking “(1) Finally, alcohol and tobacco both have little positive aspects in social formality compared with their negative ones as proved above so that “society has attempted to minimize the consequences of using both alcohol and tobacco through public policy actions, including health warning labels, restrictions on advertising, and age restrictions on use”.(2) Hence, taxes on alcohol and tobacco should be increased to help pay for rising medical costs that is necessary to social security in taking care of health 2- Regulations regarding the use of cell phones while driving should be standardized Distracted driving or wandering eye driving...
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...inevitable risk of serious injury in the event one mistake is made either from the motorcyclist, an operator of a car, bus or truck; ultimately a tragedy may occur if the vehicle operator of either is not paying attention. Congressmen and legislation are not providing the laws, urgency, and incentives to protect the lives of motorcyclist; Congressmen and legislation are contributing to a possible epidemic of “Headless Horsemen” by blindly allowing motorcyclists to have the option of not wearing a helmet while operating these high-speed vehicles. I am a fellow motorcyclist; I have had the pleasure of riding motorcycles since my early twenties (over 17 years). I spent this past year in Orlando, Florida, and coming from Washington, DC, the weather was quite different; it was sunny all the time, and I loved it. I often stated to myself “This is a perfect motorcycle day!” for most of the year, but within the same breath I would see a motorcyclist zoom past me, riding on average 75 miles per hour (mph), without a helmet. My feelings changed immediately from enjoying the beautiful day and wishing I was on my motorcycle to concern for the motorcyclist’s safety. Congressmen and legislation are not providing the laws, the sense of urgency, and incentives to protect the lives of motorcyclist; Congressmen and legislation are contributing to a possible epidemic of “Headless Horsemen”, by blindly allowing motorcyclists to have the option of not...
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...with Explanation Sanjip Kumar Sapkota Strayer University ENG215 Adjunct Professor April 22, 2015 Should the minors who commit violent crimes be tried as adults? This topic is imperative topic to discuss and the audience for this topic can be anyone who thinks minors and adults are mentally and physically same. Minors should not be tried as adults because the physical and mental condition of the minors are different than those of adults. The brain of minors is like raw clay that can easily be shaped into any image. So whatever comes to minors mind is an effect of their surroundings, the social and family impacts. According to the Dorothy Otnow Lewis, professor of psychiatry at New York University: ''Kids are being raised by more and more disturbed parents. And what this lack of parenting breeds is misshapen personalities.'' The mind of adults is different than that of minors. The adults have capacity to distinguish wrong and right. The crimes committed by adults and the same nature of crimes committed by minors have different causes in most cases. So the minors should not be tried as adults. Should DUI (driving under the influence) law be changed? This topic is very important topic to anyone. The DUI law should be stricter than it is right now. According to US Department of Transport vehicles per 1000 of the population in 2013 is, 787.9 highest all around the world. More the numbers of vehicles per people more vehicles on the road and more vehicles on the...
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...Research Topic and Explanation Should regulations regarding the use of cell phones while driving be standardized? Explanation of Topic One Selection I selected this topic because I think it is important to have the rules for standardized regarding driving and cell phone usage. Audience: My audience includes all licensed citizens who owns a cell phone and operates a vehicle. Preliminary Thesis Statement: There is obviously a connection between impaired decision making while talking and texting while driving. Just like the government has implemented laws prohibiting drinking and driving because of impaired decision making while driving, the same needs to be done regarding phone usage while driving. Credible Sources: Distracted Driving State Laws. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2013 from http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/state-laws.html Possible sources: Romera, L. (2012). Safe Driving and Standardization of Cell Phone Regulations. Knoxville Daily Sun. Retrieved April 20, 2013 from http://www.knoxvilledailysun.com/news/2012/september/cell-phone-regulations.html Should banks be allowed to charge fees for using Debit Cards? Explanation of Topic Two Selection I selected this topic because I think it is unfair for banks to charge additional fees for us to use debit cards. Audience: My audience includes all individuals who own/use debit cards for transactions and also the individuals that have accounts with a bank that charges them extra fees to...
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...must find ways to improve motorcycle safety within the Army. The Chief of Staff, Army, now requires the Six Point Program developed by the Combat Readiness Center be used by all Army units. Like any sport, motorcycling can be very dangerous. Although we cannot totally prevent motorcycle accidents, through proper training and preparation we can reduce them. Therefore, our actions can make riding motorcycles fun rather than fatal. We must first ask some pertinent questions if we truly desire to improve Army motorcycle safety. Some basic questions are: ♦ How safe is motorcycling? ♦ How does it compare to driving an automobile? ♦ Are there any special precautions to be observed? ♦ What are the causes of crashes, and how can crashes be reduced? I. BACKGROUND: The United States Department of Transportation, Division of Highway Safety, offered the following information on motorcycles in DOT HS 807 709. “There are over 4 million motorcycles registered in the United States. The popularity of this mode of transportation is attributed to the low initial cost of a motorcycle, its use as a pleasure vehicle and, for some models, the good fuel efficiency. Motorcycle fatalities represent approximately five percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet motorcycles represent just two percent of all registered vehicles in the United States. One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle, itself, provides virtually no protection in...
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...great responsibility – something we should keep in the forefront of our minds as we traverse the Commonwealth. This manual is created to give you the proper foundation for carefully and responsibly taking on your role as a new driver. Study it well and you will be on your way to an enjoyable and safe driving experience. Remember to always wear your seatbelt, require the same of passengers and make sure that all children are secured in a federally approved child restraint seat. Obey Kentucky’s traffic laws. They are on the books to protect the safety and well being of everyone who travels throughout the Bluegrass State. Best wishes for a safe and pleasurable driving experience. Sincerely, Steven L. Beshear Governor KentuckyUnbridledSpirit.com An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D C O M M O N W EALTH O F KEN TU C KY KENTUCKY STATE POLICE Rodney Brewer Commissioner Dear Kentucky Driver, The Kentucky Drivers Manual has been prepared by the Kentucky State Police to provide you with the knowledge and basic skills to become a safe and courteous driver. By thoroughly studying this manual, you will develop good driving habits and a better understanding of the traffic laws of Kentucky. It should be your goal to learn everything you can before starting your driving career. By committing yourself to this goal, you will in turn make the roadways of Kentucky safer for everyone. I would like to remind you that Kentucky law requires the use of safety belts and approved...
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...Private bus service: Is it a real service provider to the nation? Today, people have begun to express their frustration over the unfair increase of bus fares from time to time in the recent past. It has become the widespread subject of arguments among the public. A certain bus ownership has threatened an increase in bus fares on its own from September but the Transport Commission has categorically emphasised that transport permits would be revoked against any illegal increase of bus fares. This cold war between a particular bus ownership and the Government has become hot news in the media these days. It has been the practice throughout to raise bus fares every year irresponsibly with the approval of the Transport Commission without any reliable excuse. The increase in fuel prices were followed by another instance of raising private bus fares last February. Regrettably, the most affected are the middle class and the public with low incomes who use buses for their daily travel. In the interest of the general public, the Transport Commission is duty-bound to review if private bus services, after experience of 35 years, have won the confidence of commuters with such a remarkable service as pledged at the inauguration in 1978. Nationalisation With nationalisation of bus companies by the Bandaranaike Government in 1958, a longstanding progressive demand by the people, the Ceylon Transport Board which was the key body of national transport was established to provide an excellent...
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...the effect of one drug is enhanced by the presence of another drug. A multiplying rather than additive effect may occur. It takes more ounces of beer than whiskey to become impaired, but people tend to drink more beer (total ounces) than whiskey. Regarding the servings of assorted alcohol beverages, they all have differing amounts of alcohol. Beer actually has more alcohol than whiskey and coolers are even stronger. There are also an infinite number of ways to mix alcoholic beverages so a drink by drink comparison can only be made when size and alcohol content of the drinks involved are known. Alcohol is a toxic substance. The use of alcohol has no benefit to the body or society. Abuse or excessive consumption of alcohol or other drugs affects the physiology of the body in many ways. If a body becomes accustomed to the presence of alcohol continuously, a physical dependence develops and changes in the way organs and body systems respond to a drug. Addiction is “a state of periodic or chronic impairment detrimental to the individual and society, which is characterized by an overwhelming desire to continue taking the drug and to obtain it by any means.” Almost all drugs have some potentially dangerous side effects. Read the warning labels on prescriptions and closely follow the...
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...Driver’s Manual State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Dannel P. Malloy Governor ct.gov/dmv facebook.com/CTDMVteens @CTDMV Melody A. Currey Commissioner An Important Message from Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Commissioner Melody A. Currey Connecticut takes pride in its highway safety initiatives and efforts to make the roads safer for all who use them. This work involves driver licensing and ensuring that new and renewing drivers are aware of safety’s critical role when behind the wheel. For the state’s youngest drivers, obtaining your license is a time of joy and freedom, but it comes with great responsibility. Two years ago Connecticut imposed tougher teen driving laws for 16and 17-year-old drivers. These laws, along with stiffer penalties, were put into place to keep you safe on the road as you learn and become a more experienced driver. It takes time and practice. We hope you understand that the laws and penalties are in place to help reduce crashes, injuries and deaths. We want to remind all license holders that driving is a privilege and not a right. Connecticut has specific laws, such as speeding, driving too fast for conditions, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and others that aim to protect all people on the road whether vehicle drivers, passengers or pedestrians. Distracted driving, including the use of phones while driving, has been noted as a contributing factor in many serious accidents. We urge all drivers to remain focused...
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...registration • fitness to drive self assessment. The information contained within this handbook has been prepared to help you become better informed about road safety, road rules, drivers and licensing and vehicle registration. It should not be taken as a precise interpretation of the law. It does not set out to be complete or a substitute for the legislation made by Parliament. Recent changes in laws may not be reflected in this publication. The Driver’s Handbook can be downloaded from mylicence.sa.gov.au If you require further information, please call 13 10 84 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Information on the relevant South Australian legislation may be obtained from the following web site: www.legislation.sa.gov.au references • The Driving Companion (for Learner Drivers) • Australian Road Rules • Road Traffic Act (1961) and Regulations • Motor Vehicles Act (1959) and Regulations Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure. This work is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Department. First published in Australia 2000. MR200 September 2010. W E L C O M E Welcome to the Driver’s Handbook which is designed to support all road users and contains essential information and useful tips. Before you drive… • Think about safety. Know the risks and be prepared. Your Road Safety Responsibilities reminds you about the major risks on the road and how to avoid...
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...Illinois is a leader in highway safety. Over the last decade, this state has produced Illinois Rules of the Road 2013 some of the toughest highway safety laws in the nation. As the leading traffic safety advocate for the state, my office has led the charge against drunk and distracted drivers. Illinois also has adopted some of the toughest driver’s license standards for teen drivers. My office has also adopted policies that have allowed the driving public to more easily access Secretary of State services. Hundreds of thousands of drivers and registered vehicle owners have utilized services on my office’s website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com to renew their driver’s license and license plates, register their information in the Emergency Contact Database or to join the Organ/ Tissue Donor Registry. As Secretary of State, I continue to maintain the highest standards when it comes to traffic safety and public service in Illinois. Jesse White Secretary of State Table of Contents Chapter 1: Illinois Driver’s License ................................................................................2 Chapter 2: Driver’s License Exams ..............................................................................11 Chapter 3: Drivers Under Age 21 (GDL) ......................................................................14 Chapter 4: Traffic Laws................................................................................................19 Chapter 5: Sharing the Road...
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