Columnist Kalle Oakes raised a timely question in the July 13 Sun Journal. Prompted by the almost simultaneous fatal motorcycle accidents of the previous week, he asked if helmets should be mandatory?

In this day of regulations pertaining to seat belts and bicycle helmets, it seems that the motorcycle riders have the only remaining free pass.

The freedom that bikers relish comes at a price for the rest of us. Our modern health system with skilled paramedics, LifeFlight helicopters and hospital trauma teams does a great job of saving lives, but at great expense. Motorcycle trauma contributes a significant percentage of that work. The survivors of such trauma typically require months of physical therapy, often in special rehab units, which add to the cost.

It was not long ago that we heard about potential Medicaid cutbacks in Augusta. Brain injury programs were at the top of the list. In the end, the support of those programs was sustained, but it reminded us that injury prevention is the best way to prevent expense in the first place.

As medical costs steadily increase and as taxes become ever more contentious, it is time for motorcyclists to join the rest of us in the 21st century by doing their share and accepting helmet regulations.

Dr. Edward Walworth, Lewiston

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