Motorcycle Helmet Bill Passed by Assembly

SACRAMENTO —  Amid a claim that supporters were acting like “self-appointed nannies,” the Assembly on Monday approved legislation to require motorcycle riders in California to wear safety helmets.

Gov. Pete Wilson is expected to sign the bill into law if it is approved by the Senate, where a majority is believed to favor the measure. Wilson co-sponsored similar legislation when he was a U.S. senator.

Former Gov. George Deukmejian vetoed two attempts to institute a mandatory state motorcycle helmet law.

On Monday, the lower house approved this year’s version of the bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (D-Carson), on a 48-24 vote--seven more than the simple majority required.

Opponents argue that helmets reduce vision and hearing and remove riders’ freedom of choice.

“That’s balderdash,” Floyd told the Assembly. “A helmet increases the safety factor immensely.”

He said it costs California taxpayers $65 million to $100 million annually to treat people for brain damage sustained when they were injured in motorcycle accidents while riding without a helmet.

Another supporter, Assemblyman Dave Elder (D-San Pedro), said actor Gary Busey, a motorcycle enthusiast active in trying to defeat the bill in 1989, “totally changed his mind” about wearing helmets after recovering from head injuries suffered in a spill. Busey, he said, is helping to design new and improved headgear.

Concerning medical costs for injuried cyclists, Elder said: “We just don’t have the resources. We are facing a $12.6-billion state budget deficit.”

Speaking in opposition, Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) compared the bill’s supporters to “self-appointed nannies” and added: “Grown-up men and women can make decisions about their own personal safety without the condescending help of the state Legislature. How much would you enjoy a round of golf if you had to wear a bulky helmet? That’s how ridiculous these things can get.”

McClintock said legislation such as the helmet bill is responsible for the Legislature’s bad reputation among the public.

A visibly irritated Floyd shot back at the GOP lawmaker, saying: “If you are talking about grown-up men and women, we wish you would act more like one once in a while. But I don’t expect you to be much more than a bomb-throwing anarchist anyway. And the people don’t hold the Legislature in contempt either--only certain members.”

In the end, McClintock served notice that he will try to have the measure reconsidered by the Assembly--a move that blocked it from being sent immediately to the Senate.

Twenty-two states require helmets for motorcycle riders of all ages. California law requires motorcycle riders 15 1/2 and younger to wear helmets. Also, all riders using off-road vehicles must wear helmets.

The Highway Patrol attributed 620 fatalities and 17,740 injuries to California motorcycle accidents during 1989.