ONONDAGA, N.Y. (AP) — Police say a motorcyclist participating in a protest ride against helmet laws in upstate New York died after he flipped over the bike's handlebars and hit his head on the pavement.
The accident happened Saturday afternoon in the town of Onondaga, in central New York near Syracuse.
State troopers tell The Post-Standard of Syracuse that 55-year-old Philip A. Contos of Parish, N.Y., was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson with a group of bikers who were protesting helmet laws by not wearing helmets.
Troopers say Contos hit his brakes and the motorcycle fishtailed. The bike spun out of control, and Contos toppled over the handlebars. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Troopers say Contos would have likely survived if he had been wearing a helmet.
I am all for those being able to make their own choices. If it was a kid, I would like to see a helmet. As an adult, you should have the right to smash your head in without a helmet if thats what you want. Not that I think thats what he had in mind. I fully support his right to protest and wanting to not wear a helmet... and at the same time, I also fully appreciate the irony of the situation.
[This message has been edited by tbone42 (edited 07-04-2011).]
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11:30 PM
Jul 5th, 2011
nitroheadz28 Member
Posts: 4774 From: Brooklyn, NY Registered: Mar 2010
I also appreciate the irony of the situation and a helmet has saved my life twice, both times requiring replacement. I will still ride around the neighborhood without one on occasion.
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01:39 AM
Pyrthian Member
Posts: 29569 From: Detroit, MI Registered: Jul 2002
I am fine with people riding without helmets so long as they have insurance that covers them if they become a quadriplegic. I don't want them to become a ward of the state as a result of their actions.
I am fine with people riding without helmets so long as they have insurance that covers them if they become a quadriplegic. I don't want them to become a ward of the state as a result of their actions.
why they should never do rides to protest helmet laws
or - the other side - he died for what he beleived in.....
of course it should be a choice - but - the people are NOT what runs the nation. helmet laws are 100% corporate interests - just like seatbelt laws.
Although I understand your point, I like to think of these safety items and laws as possibly saving my life or the lives of those around me. Kind of like when you ride a roller coaster, it just makes sense to take precautions. I'm required to wear a helmet in GA; on a ride a few years ago, we crossed into a "you choose state" and honestly, I felt very uncomfortable without it. OBTW it's a full face helmet.
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10:33 AM
Gokart Mozart Member
Posts: 12143 From: Metro Detroit Registered: Mar 2003
