Not 1 student wore a helmet.

[StevePIraq]

It comes down to one thing only and that is law enforcement. In other cities the law is enforced and bike riders do wear helmets, in HH it just does not happen.

Trying to debate this with a Thai and I include my Thai wife and daughter is impossible, they will not listen to sense and even if they do agree to wear a helmet it is only for today. I have loaded graphic photos as desktop screen savers, shown them movies, statistics, the lot. I have found it is all but impossible to win a debate with Thais, they will never listen so what is the point. It is the same with so many issues Thais do not do anything they do not wish to do.

[Simijim]

Another car motorbike accident just 20 minutes ago at gas station near new water park. Some things are never going to change unless laws are enforced but in Hau Hin that seems unlikely to happen.
Maybe if black points were given for bad driving and accidents things would change, money being the only motivator it seems.

[NOKYAI]

The OP was talking about school kids.....when I was a lad, I wasn't allowed , by my school, to ride a push bike to school until I had passed my cycling proficiency test. Could the school not enforce the law as we all know the keystone cops are a total waste of space.

[moater]

Wisconsin and New Hampshire are not backward states, but they both hold personal freedom way above personal safety. It's your choice whether to put on a helmet or a belt. It's your life and you're welcome to risk it. If Thailand (or most cities in Thailand) allows the same thing in practice then more power to them, imo.

I'd be much more concerned about transporting small children on bikes, because that's a risk the children don't choose to take.

[HHTel]

But 47 states have motorcycle helmet laws with only 3 that have not. Who is right I wonder??

[Nereus]

Police kick off helmet campaign (in Bangkok)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general ... t-campaign

Traffic police have kicked off on Monday a campaign to enforce the use of motorcyle helmets in Bangkok.

The fines are no more than 500 baht for riders and 1,000 baht for passengers.

Adul Narongsak, a deputy Bangkok police chief, launched the 100% helmet-wearing campaign at Bangkok's Ratchayothin intersection to step up road safety in the capital.

"The project aims to bolster discipline among riders and the launch today has sent the signal to the 88 police stations," Pol Maj Gen Adul said.

At the Ratchayothin intersection, desks were set up for fines. Prople can also use the tickets for helmet discounts to 99 baht each for the adult size and free for children.

[Gregjam]

It is a fact that motorcycle helmets save lives. They do not protect your arms, legs, back or any other part of the body that will be damaged if you come off the bike. Not a lot of help either if you are run over by a bus with a sleeping driver though. There are lots of different types of armour, leathers and other protective gear but there comes a point where all this safety gear becomes a hazard particularly in a tropical country. For some it is personal choice but for many here cost is the factor. Some people, particularly some of the local youths seem unable to make an appropriate decision and suffer the consequences although I have lost neighbours to motorcycle accidents who were far from being adolescent tearaways. Whoever is responsible it will be the biker who loses out and any biker has to have that in mind at all times on the roads here or anywhere else.
Unfortunately in Thailand's case personal choice does not work hence the statistics. Enforcement might work if it ever actually happened. Meanwhile the carnage will continue until somebody high enough in the pecking order loses a loved one and takes action.

[moater]

All states allowed slavery at one time. The number of states allowing or disallowing something has very little to do with its moral properties or being "right".

It's about priorities. Most states prioritize safety over freedom these days. Personally, I'll take freedom over forced-safety any day. It's not the state's job to save me from myself, the way I see it. You're free to wear a helmet if you like, by the way!

[SpitfireMk3]

All states allowed slavery at one time. The number of states allowing or disallowing something has very little to do with its moral properties or being "right".

It's about priorities. Most states prioritize safety over freedom these days. Personally, I'll take freedom over forced-safety any day. It's not the state's job to save me from myself, the way I see it. You're free to wear a helmet if you like, by the way!

But you do not mind others paying for the hospital expenses when you crash without helmet and need surgery and training after an accident?. It is OK to have your opinion but in all societies there are someone who "cleans" after you crashing without helmet and it usually the State which takes care of this. Why aren't the State entitled to limit its obligations?.

[HHTel]

All states allowed slavery at one time. The number of states allowing or disallowing something has very little to do with its moral properties or being "right".

It's about priorities. Most states prioritize safety over freedom these days. Personally, I'll take freedom over forced-safety any day. It's not the state's job to save me from myself, the way I see it. You're free to wear a helmet if you like, by the way!

What an absolute cop-out. Your views are valid if you live alone on an otherwise deserted island. If you want to be part of a civilized society, then you must put your brain in gear. The actions of a rebellious child in my opinion but that's just me!

[dundrillin]

Moater

Looking on the bright side not wearing a helmet or seat belt certainly increases the number of organ doners.

[Arlo]

But 47 states have motorcycle helmet laws with only 3 that have not. Who is right I wonder??

http://www.bikersrights.com/states/50state.html

Here is a link to the laws in the states. A little more complex than only 3 states not requiring a helmet.

Personally i think helmets are a smart thing but i believe it should be left to each individual to make there own choice as long as they are an adult. I think government needs to stay out of personal choices.

[HHTel]

So anyone suffering brain damage as the result of not wearing a helmet should be left to their own devises as it was their own choice. In the case of death through their own choice means no one should mourn the passing of a loved one. Choose not to wear a seat belt and your flying body can cause serious damage to someone else.
All this is common sense but as many people don't possess that, it requires legislation to force the issue and protect others.

[Hobiecat]

All states allowed slavery at one time. The number of states allowing or disallowing something has very little to do with its moral properties or being "right".

It's about priorities. Most states prioritize safety over freedom these days. Personally, I'll take freedom over forced-safety any day. It's not the state's job to save me from myself, the way I see it. You're free to wear a helmet if you like, by the way!

What an absolute cop-out. Your views are valid if you live alone on an otherwise deserted island. If you want to be part of a civilized society, then you must put your brain in gear. The actions of a rebellious child in my opinion but that's just me!

If we wanted to join your so called civilized and righteous society we would have moved to your country or stayed at home. But!.....we're all living here and as a result "we"
as guests are not able to inflict our experience on those's that live here. Learning the hard way always works over time for most. Give it time my friend

[HHTel]

Yes, time indeed. As already pointed out the law has been there for over 35 years and that hasn't succeeded so how much time is needed for people to do the smart things of their own accord?