Adult helmet law not likely in NM

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - Deadly motorcycle accidents have become all too familiar in New Mexico.

In just two days two motorcyclists have died in Albuquerque.

“Too many people are dying on our roads and all I’m asking is for people to look out for motorcyclists,” said Annette Torrez, Chair of the NM Motorcycle Riders Rights Organization.

Already this year at least 20 people have died on motorcycles and according to UNM’s crash fatality data at least 15 of them were not wearing helmets.

Since 2010, 85 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes were not wearing helmets.

“I think New Mexico should require riders to wear helmets because helmets do save lives,” said Motorcycle Rider Robert Cole.

New Mexico is one of 31 states that do not require adults to wear helmets.

Motorcycle rider rights organizations are working diligently to keep it that way not because they don’t want people to wear helmets but because they want people to be able to decide for themselves.

“I don’t want legislation telling me whether I should or shouldn’t wear a helmet,” Torrez said.

Those efforts are working.

By all accounts it’s been about a decade since an adult helmet law was last introduced in the state legislature.

Lawmakers say that is because the idea is always met with angry opposition not only from motorcycle groups but other lawmakers too.

“There’s always individuals that you’re seeing here that come up to Santa Fe and institute their rights and say you know what, we really don’t want to see it and these are individuals who wear helmets on a regular basis,” said Rep., Rick Miera (D) Bernalillo County.

Despite statistics that prove helmets save lives and taxpayer money lawmakers say don’t expect to see a helmet bill introduced anytime soon.

Motorcycle rights groups say the key to preventing deaths is education, not only for drivers, but for riders too.