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Paternalism and its discontents: Motorcycle helmet laws, libertarian values, and public health

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  • Jones, M.M.
  • Bayer, R.

Abstract

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 need-less morbidity and suffering.

Suggested Citation

  • Jones, M.M. & Bayer, R., 2007. "Paternalism and its discontents: Motorcycle helmet laws, libertarian values, and public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(2), pages 208-217.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2005.083204_4
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.083204
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    Cited by:

    1. Dee, Thomas S., 2009. "Motorcycle helmets and traffic safety," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 398-412, March.
    2. Pedro M. Valero-Mora & Juan José Zacarés & Mar Sánchez-García & María Teresa Tormo-Lancero & Mireia Faus, 2021. "Conspiracy Beliefs Are Related to the Use of Smartphones behind the Wheel," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-13, July.
    3. Michael D. Makowsky & Thomas Stratmann, 2011. "More Tickets, Fewer Accidents: How Cash-Strapped Towns Make for Safer Roads," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 54(4), pages 863-888.
    4. French, Michael T. & Gumus, Gulcin & Homer, Jenny F., 2012. "Motorcycle fatalities among out-of-state riders and the role of universal helmet laws," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(10), pages 1855-1863.
    5. Keane, Christopher R. & Lafky, Jonathan M. & Board, Oliver J., 2012. "Altruism, reciprocity and health: A social experiment in restaurant choice," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 143-150.

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