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David Morris, MD
West Columbia, SC

JAMA. 1986;255(16):2161.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

I write concerning the recommendation to mandate the use of helmets by motorcyclists.¹ Even though the state currently pays most of the costs of motorcycle injuries, that is no justification to use force against persons who choose to ride motorcycles without helmets. Nobody's rights should be restricted as long as he does no harm to anyone else. Self-inflicted harm should not be the responsibility of the taxpayers. The only just solution to the problem is to deny the use of state funds to pay for the care of persons whose injuries are the result of their own foolishness. As hardhearted as this sounds, I'm much more worried about murderers, burglars, and rapists than about someone who doesn't wear a helmet. Law-enforcement personnel should not be asked to waste their precious time harrassing people who are posing no danger to anyone else. They must concentrate on violent . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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