Helmet laws have become controversial over time. Despite being created to protect bikers, many of them feel that they’re a violation of their freedom. In his essay called “Helmet Laws Discriminate Against Bikers”, Stan Daniels attempts to prove that not only are helmet laws unnecessary and annoying, they violate the freedom of Americans. According to Daniels, laws requiring bikers to wear helmets are discriminatory and against the freedom America claims to give its citizens. In this essay i’ll argue that his argument is flawed.
His argument can be summarized like so:
Freedom is a valued and cherished possession.
There is no difference in motorcycle injuries or fatalities among states where helmet use is voluntary.
Motorcycles represent …show more content…
(from 3)
Helmet laws are annoying and unnecessary to a minority who would like to make their own decision on an issue which has no effect on others.
[Not wearing a helmet has no effect on others] (from 5)
Golfing and hunting are dangerous, but people are not required to wear protective gear.
Non-motorcyclists would hate it if the government discriminated against them.
Recently, a local television station did a telephone poll asking if the state should repeal its mandatory helmet law. The results were 82 percent in favor of repealing it
[In the general population, 82% were in favor of repealing helmet laws.] (from 10)
He believes the time has come for the government to allow responsible citizens to choose what measures suit their needs. (from 1-11)
Admittedly, there are things in his essay that are true. His argument, however, leaves much to be desired and is greatly …show more content…
He then goes on to say that people in buses and trucks should wear helmets because more accidents involving trucks and buses occur. The argument in (3-4) is a fallacy of weak analogy. Logic tells us that buses and trucks offer more protection for their drivers because motorcycles don’t have airbags, seat belts, and steel surrounding its drivers. Clearly motorcycles are not similar to buses and trucks, despite being a vehicle. Even if this wasn't the case, it's common knowledge that there are more trucks and buses in America than there are motorcycles. It's natural for the number of accidents involving motorcycles to be lower because of this. It does not mean motorcycles are just as safe or safer than other
His argument can be summarized like so:
Freedom is a valued and cherished possession.
There is no difference in motorcycle injuries or fatalities among states where helmet use is voluntary.
Motorcycles represent …show more content…
(from 3)
Helmet laws are annoying and unnecessary to a minority who would like to make their own decision on an issue which has no effect on others.
[Not wearing a helmet has no effect on others] (from 5)
Golfing and hunting are dangerous, but people are not required to wear protective gear.
Non-motorcyclists would hate it if the government discriminated against them.
Recently, a local television station did a telephone poll asking if the state should repeal its mandatory helmet law. The results were 82 percent in favor of repealing it
[In the general population, 82% were in favor of repealing helmet laws.] (from 10)
He believes the time has come for the government to allow responsible citizens to choose what measures suit their needs. (from 1-11)
Admittedly, there are things in his essay that are true. His argument, however, leaves much to be desired and is greatly …show more content…
He then goes on to say that people in buses and trucks should wear helmets because more accidents involving trucks and buses occur. The argument in (3-4) is a fallacy of weak analogy. Logic tells us that buses and trucks offer more protection for their drivers because motorcycles don’t have airbags, seat belts, and steel surrounding its drivers. Clearly motorcycles are not similar to buses and trucks, despite being a vehicle. Even if this wasn't the case, it's common knowledge that there are more trucks and buses in America than there are motorcycles. It's natural for the number of accidents involving motorcycles to be lower because of this. It does not mean motorcycles are just as safe or safer than other