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NY motorcyclist dies on ride protesting helmet law
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Updated: Jul. 4, 2011 | 10:16 a.m.
ONONDAGA, N.Y. -- Police say a motorcyclist participating in a protest ride against helmet laws in upstate New York died after he flipped over the bike's handlebars and hit his head on the pavement.
The accident happened Saturday afternoon in the town of Onondaga, in central New York near Syracuse.
State troopers tell The Post-Standard of Syracuse that 55-year-old Philip A. Contos of Parish, N.Y., was driving a 1983 Harley Davidson with a group of bikers who were protesting helmet laws by not wearing helmets.
Troopers say Contos hit his brakes and the motorcycle fishtailed. The bike spun out of control, and Contos toppled over the handlebars. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Troopers say Contos would have likely survived if he had been wearing a helmet.
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I love irony. And wearing my helmet.
LANE SPLITTING needs to be made legal in Nevada rather then no helmet law. This would reduce the number of accidents at red lights (getting rear ended). Less traffic, and easier on the riders that are stuck at 2 lights or more sometimes in the 100+ heat.
Happy 4th of July everybody in "The Land of the Free", well, except for all the laws, restrictions, fines, penalties, taxes, fees, zoning, affirmative action, no fly zones, political correctness and censorship...
This is a Horrific Irony. Condolences to friends & family.
266.h - Ummm there is no federal government tax on helmets, so where do you get this redneck attitude that it is a government conspiracy? Next you are going to say that wearing a helmet allows aliens to probe your mind...lol Our forefathers did not have motorcycles or cars, therefore when they wrote the constitution, they did not foresee safety standards that save lives. Granted, even with a helmet you can die riding, but it increases your chance to stay alive. Try taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding course....you will realize that you're not as good of a rider as you think. I took the instructor course and believe me, experience riders fail the course all the time.
For all you poor souls that think wearing a helmet is stupid, I have a simple request. Sign a document stating when your ignorant choice leaves you brain dead or badly injured, that we taxpayers don't have to pay the bill. That instead, because you are so intelligent to not wear a helmet. Your assets can be sold to cover your health care. I don't want to pay for your stupid choices. Or at least become organ donors, but then again if you are stupid enough to ride without a helmet. That means your brain is weak, so your organs might be just as weak.
In this so called free country almost every little thing we do is controlled by some stupid law that is intended to raise revenue for the politicians. Everyday people decide for themselves not to jump off a bridge and everyday an individual should be able to decide for themselves whether or not to wear a seatbelt or helmet. As an adult you are aware of your risks. His choice and he died. How much are we going to let the government infringe on our rights for financial profit? Children, no doubt should be required until they are of legal age and maturity to make the decision on their own.
My husband was wearing a helmet and he died, also landing on his head. He was wearing a dot approved helmet and he flipped his bike. He was not going fast. They said the alternative would have been worse had he survived. I believe folks should wear the head gear that makes them feel the most safe, confident, and aware rider. A helmet is not a guarantee. Sometimes the fate is worse than death. Personally, I would never ride without a helmet but I support freedom of choice.
Buff my Helmet!
He thought he'd never need a helmet because his Momma always told him he was "Thick Headed"...lol