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A Cop's Perspective - BC Helmet Clarification

BC Helmet Clarification
 
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CTV reported that the BC government outlawed Skid lids, skull caps and beanies outlawed June 1st. In fact that is not accurate.
 
B.C. introduced new motorcycle safety regulations that will ban novelty helmets and require all riders to wear protective headgear that meet international safety standards. That is helmets that are DOT approved, a law that has been in effect for many decades.
 
Skid Lid is a brand and makes DOT approved helmets. Beanie is style produced by several manufacturers which are DOT approved.
 
Both the Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond and CTV have used the wrong terminology which is guaranteed to confuse some riders and some police (not the RCMP) who are expected to enforce the old/new regulations.
 
This is what the new law states:
 
NEW Motorcycle Safety Laws (Helmet and Seating): Starting June 1, 2012, motorcycle riders and passengers will be required to wear Snell, ECE or DOT compliant helmets. For a one month period starting June 1, police across the province will help ensure a smooth transition to the new laws by carrying out an educational enforcement
 
strategy. If you are caught without a proper helmet, police, whenever possible, will ensure you have safe alternative transportation rather than issuing a ticket. Full enforcement will begin July 1, 2012;
 
• In addition to improved helmet laws, new seating laws will require motorcycle riders to keep their feet placed on the foot pegs or floorboards or be seated in a sidecar. Violation of seating requirements will be treated as stunt riding and will result in motorcycle impoundment and fines. Impoundment is mandatory and will begin June 1, 2012.
 
The media has a long history of sensationalizing for the sake of entertainment. Out of the rider deaths in B.C. 2/3s of those were not the riders fault.
 
As riders we take our chances on the roads accepting of and conscious of those drivers who operate a motor vehicle distracted and without exercising due care.
 
After all, nothing says safety like a German military-style helmet, especially one that’s finished in chrome and spikes. Most helmet manufacturers produce DOT helmets in those novelty styles.
 
As long as it is approved, you can wear it, which is bound to save your noggin. Now if we can only do something about those distracted drivers. details given to the 911 dispatcher.
 
The other more recent incidents may or may not justify the response.
 
William
 
 

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