Should Motorcyclists Be Required to Wear Helmets? [POLL]

It seems as though it is happening more than ever, people on Weld and Larimer County roads being injured and killed in motorcycle accidents. Although it is impossible to completely prevent accidents, motorcycle helmets have been shown to save the lives of motorcyclists and prevent serious brain injuries. Should riders be required to them? 

Almost all states now require automobile operators to wear seat belts, and it's not uncommon for states to say riders have to wear helmets as well. Twenty states and the District of Columbia require helmet use by all motorcycle drivers and their passengers. Twenty-seven other states, including Colorado, have laws only covering some riders.

Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. Motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 42% effective for passengers. In 2008, 1,829 motorcyclists nationwide were saved by wearing their helmets.