Motorcycle Helmet Law Controversy Continues

Rockford, Illinois- A Sunday motorcycle accident killed a Cortland man. He was not wearing a helmet and police say alcohol was a factor in the crash. There is not a helmet law in Illinois and it is a controversial issue. Toby Demars has been riding for 30 years. He has a young grandson, Nickolaus. Demars says he never wears a helmet on his bike. "Because I choose not to. They`re uncomfortable. I just choose not to wear one." Two recent deaths over the weekend involved motorcycle riders. "Neither of them was wearing a helmet," says Winnebago County Coroner, Sue Fidducia. Fiduccia says the importance of wearing a helmet is huge. "If you don`t have a helmet on, you have very little chance of living." But it is not the law here in Illinois. Third generation motorcycle dealer, Karl Kegel agrees that it should not be. "We believe in education," he says, "not legislation." Fiduccia warns that "motorcycle people need to be aware that cars don`t always see them." When Nickolaus grows up, Demars says, it should be his decision whether or not to wear a helmet and not the government. "Until he`s 18, then he can make up his own mind." Illinois is one of four states who do not have helmet laws.