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Motorcycle, helmets, cell phones and text messaging usage under review in Arkansas

By Steve Lombardi

Motorcycles, helmets, cell phones and text messaging in the sight of Arkansas Legislature to limit cell phone usage while driving, ban text messaging and require motorcycle helmets

SB 28: Since 2001 legislator, Kim Hendren has filed a bill to prohibit drivers less than 18 years of age from driving while using a cell phone.

SB 29: Also filed is a bill to require motorcyclists to wear helmets or to have a minimum of $10,000 in health insurance coverage. The amount is woefully inadequate, but at least it’s a start.

Back on January 22, 2008 I warned motorcyclists insurance requirements were coming.

In a post titled, Motorcycles, Helmets, Wrecks, Brain Damage and the Freedom to be Stupid

January 22, 2008 - 10:00 AM, by Steve Lombardi

I advocated for medical and disability insurance coverage of at least $250,000.00. I was trounced by the motorcycle blogs about stepping out of line by allowing them complete freedom to ride however they wish. But what is missing in this debate is common sense. Due to the costs imposed on the government social security programs the American public will be forced to do something in the future to reduce the expense being imposed on government disability programs. Motorcycle riders can stick their heads in the sand all they want but it won’t change the inevitable. Get mad at me all you want but that is wasted energy. Or take that energy and use common sense, be proactive and reduce those costs being imposed on the federal and state governments. That is the only way mandatory helmet laws will not end up on the books. It’s not a choice, it’s an either-or problem. You can’t have it both ways. If you think the costs too high then let Harley-Davidson form its own insurance company. Those telling you otherwise are just telling you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear.

The Helmet Law Debate - Certainly the most hotly contested issue surrounding motorcycle safety is the Helmet Debate. This debate revolves around whether federal law should require motorcyclists to wear helmets at all times when riding, or whether the decision of whether or not to wear a helmet should be left up to the individual rider.

Motorcycle Accidents and Medical Issues - Motorcycle accidents present numerous issues that you must resolve by working with different types of professionals, such as health care providers, attorneys and insurance agents. Medical issues are perhaps the most physically and emotionally demanding issues you will face on your road to recovery. This category of issues encompasses life-threatening injuries, tiresome rehabilitation, buying expensive medications, communicating with doctors and other health care providers, and insurance coverage.

HB 1013:also prefiled would prohibit use of handheld cell phones by all drivers and would ban text messaging while driving.

The stories creating the impetus for such legislation are interesting and the facts described in the article, Second bill to ban cell phone use while driving filed, Rob Moritz of the Arkansas News Bureau.

Kidd said he filed his measure at the request of a constituent whose father was killed in a July highway collision in which the other driver admitted he was sending a text message while driving.

Last week, the driver, 27-year-old Michael L. Blanchard died at a Jonesboro hospital after shooting himself in the head. Blanchard was facing a misdemeanor negligent homicide charge in connection with the July wreck.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on January 01, 2009 (boomark / email).