Head-Injury Lovers Against Helmet-Law Reinstatement
June 24, 2008 –
Area head-injury lovers have been angered by calls for a reinstatement of Pennsylvania's motorcycle helmet law, following a recent study's conclusion that motorcycle-related head-injury deaths and hospitalizations have skyrocketed since the law's 2003 repeal. "I don't care what they say; it's my right not to wear a helmet if I don't wanna," said East Falls motorcycle enthusiast Geoff Madison, 30, as gore from a throbbing head wound dripped into his eye. "I don't need the government to tell me what to... ooh... sweet Jesus, I really gotta go lay down again."
 Mayfair Harley-Davidson owner Todd Hendricks, 42, had similar words. "It's ridiculous that people want [Governor Ed] Rendell to reinstate that law," he said, shakily holding a bloody, ice-filled towel to his forehead. "Whatever happened to freedom in this country, is what I want to know," he added, before vomiting a wad of greenish-yellow bile into his lap. According to Southwest Philadelphia sport-bike owner Tyreke Mickels, 29, "It should be my decision whether or not..." he said, trailing off, as he put a hand to the festering, gravel-filled gash above his temple. "Shit, what was I sayin'? Oh, yeah. Cool Ranch is definitely better than Nacho Cheese."
Dr. Kristen Mertz, who led the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center study, was disheartened by such attitudes. "The lack of a helmet law has led to a direct rise in deaths, serious injuries, and hospital costs," she said. "What's upsetting is that the increase has been completely preventable." Mickels, though, was unfazed by such claims. "When you're flyin' down the highway, you don't want to have a helmet in the... in the... uh... are you... are you here about the cable?"
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