While the Supremes may decide that helmet and seat belt laws are "legal" it still doesn't make 'em right.
I believe it is wrong for the state to get involved in how much personal risk a supposedly "free" American is allowed to take. Most states have seat belt laws because the Federal government coerced them into it. There was no groundswell of the people demanding it.
Do seat belt laws save lives? Yep. Do helmet laws save lives? Yep. Do the ends justify the means? Nope.
The principle is all wrong here. Forcing people to be safe has the potential to be carried to ridiculous extremes, although it fortunately hasn't progressed that way in most places. Some of the true "nanny states" like New Jersey have "protected" their citizens into boredom in the past when dealing with motorsports. For instance, you can't sanction one of those "pro rallies" like you see on the speed channel where the cars slide wildly around corners in the woods on dirt and gravel roads because New Jersey wants you to put up Armco barriers for the entire length of the compebreastion. Of course, this is prohibitively expensive. Also, back in the late 60's, New Jersey actually outlawed go-kart racing. Not controlled - outlawed it.
New Jersey believe all its citizens are children that need controlled. Makes you want to live in Texas, for sure.
Dave Head
