Image above taken from the ABATE of SC website.

Sponsored by HOGWYLD and Lake Murray ABATE, the 11^th Annual Freedom Ride takes place Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 11 a.m.

At noon, the group will leave the parking lot of Chaplin Bi-Lo off Highway 76, and there will be a police escort to the South Carolina State House to listen to special speakers on the Statehouse steps. After the speeches, the group will ride to Ray’s in Ballentine, SC for food and entertainment. Participants are requested to wear their red, white, and blue, and to bring any old cell phones and accessories to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

ABATE of South Carolina, Inc. is the organization that protects motorcyclist’s rights in South Carolina. In June of 1980, ABATE members succeeded in protecting bikers’ freedom of choice when South Carolina’s mandatory helmet law was amended to allow adults to decide for themselves whether to wear helmets.

ABATE stands for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments, and it defends liberty. It does not oppose safety devices, but it does oppose laws that mandate using these devices. According to its constitution, “the purpose of ABATE of South Carolina is to form a not-for-profit association at the state level to protect the rights and liberties of motorcyclists, and promote motorcycle awareness and voluntary motorcycle rider training.”

For more information, email HogWyld@yahoo.com, or call 803.351.2987. ABATE SC’s website is www.abatesc.com.

We did a sweep of current motorcycle news across the country and found a few states that are in the works of changing their motorcycle helmet laws. Below are three mini news stories related to motorcycle helmet laws across the country:

Connecticut: According to a recent article on NewHavenIndependent.org, “The analysis of state Department of Transportation crash data between 2001-2007 found that there were 9,214 motorcycle crashes, including 358 fatalities. The number of fatalities was more than twice as high – 235, or 65.6 percent – among those riders who were not wearing helmets as among those who were – 123, or 34.4 percent.”

Connecticut implemented a mandatory helmet law in 1989 for motorcycle riders 17 years of age and younger. Since 1989, legislation was to change these laws arose five separate times, however, the law has remained the same.

Michigan: According to an article on Northern Michigan’s 9&10 News, 2011 just might be the year when motorcycle helmet laws are dropped. “Some still feel optimistic this could be the year the law gets repealed due to the republican control in the state house, senate, and the new republican governor.”

Oregon: Currently, all motorcycle riders must wear a helmet—no matter their age. According to the Insurance Journal, Oregon legislators are attempting to pass partial motorcycle helmet laws, which would require motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. Click here to view the 76^th Oregon Legislative Assembly House Bill 3141.

To view all state motorcycle laws, click here.

South Carolina law SECTION 56-5-3660 states that “Helmets shall be worn by operators and passengers under age twenty-one; helmet design; list of approved helmets.

It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate or ride upon a two-wheeled motorized vehicle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety. Such a helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides thereof. The department is hereby authorized to adopt and amend regulations covering the types of helmets and the specifications therefor and to establish and maintain a list of approved helmets which meet the specifications as established hereunder.”

According to an article in the Post & Courier, “The (National Transportation Safety Board) said there were 4,400 motorcycle deaths in the U.S. last year, more than in all aviation, rail, marine and pipeline accidents combined. Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes.” (read the full Post & Courier article here).

If the National Transportation Safety Board were to enforce the mandatory helmet law, it would mean that South Carolina helmet law would change to require all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets—no matter their age.

What is your opinion on federal mandated helmet laws?