Open AccessPaternalism & Its Discontents: Motorcycle Helmet Laws, Libertarian Values, and Public Health
Author(s) -
Marian Moser Jones,
Ronald Bayer
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2005.083204
Subject(s) - paternalism , public health , law , political science , occupational safety and health , injury prevention , suicide prevention , poison control , human factors and ergonomics , environmental health , criminology , sociology , medicine , nursing
The history of motorcycle helmet legislation in the United States reflects the extent to which concerns about individual liberties have shaped the public health debate. Despite overwhelming epidemiological evidence that motorcycle helmet laws reduce fatalities and serious injuries, only 20 states currently require all riders to wear helmets. During the past 3 decades, federal government efforts to push states toward enactment of universal helmet laws have faltered, and motorcyclists' advocacy groups have been successful at repealing state helmet laws. This history raises questions about the possibilities for articulating an ethics of public health that would call upon government to protect citizens from their own choices that result in needless morbidity and suffering.