by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Saying the statistics show the need to save lives, legislation has been introduced to implement a universal helmet law. While there's been an effort to re-institute helmets on Guam, motorcycle and scooter riders believe lawmakers should steer their efforts in another direction.

At least five senators believe that the island community should have a mandatory helmet law. "We mandate seat belt laws. we mandate children be in car seats. We mandate no texting in cars. we mandate no cell phones now. This is a concern to society as well, and the data shows that helmets do save lives," said Senator Tommy Morrison. The freshman policymaker, along with Senators Mike San Nicolas, Chris Duenas, Tina Muna Barnes and Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz, introduced Bill 87, which seeks to implement a universal helmet law not just for those under 18 or those riding bicycles on Guam.

Morrison says the measure is not a reaction to his brother's recent death in a tragic motorcycle crash. "I know that questions pops up a lot that I might just be mourning the loss of my brother regarding this incident," he shared, "but this is also purely on data."

Data that he says shows that un-helmeted riders are 40% more likely to die from a head injury than someone who was wearing a helmet. More that says the risk of head injury is reduced by 69% and other statistics that show the risk of death is reduced by 37%. "It does not save every life, but it does save lives and that's our goal here," he added.

But opponents of the legislation believe a closer look at the causes of motorcycle and scooter crashes is necessary. "Let's take a look at the numbers: how many motorcycle owners have died because they didn't have a helmet? And when they did die, what was the cause? Let's take a look at the statistics because unfortunately we haven't yet tried to improve the laws we have to protect the people of Guam as they walk the street or as they drive on the roads," noted Joe San Agustin, a member of the Harley Owners of Guam organization, and a rider of motorcycles for more than three decades.

He says mandating helmets strips motorcyclists of one thing: their right to choose. "When I go riding in the mainland, I wear a helmet. Why? Because I'm on the freeway. It's not 35 MPH. Here on Guam 35 is the max," he argued. San Agustin believes motorcycle crashes and deaths are often a result of other inattentive motorists, adding, "I've run into occasions where some of the motorists don't even realize I'm next to them. And that's why you find on some folks they have loud mufflers. Why? Because loud mufflers save lives."

L.A. Cycles president Lucas Hemlani has sold more than 700 scooters in the last three years and has rented out hundreds more to island visitors. "A lot of people come from outer islands, Japan or whatnot, they ride their bikes with no helmets. They love it. Their hair is in the wind, but I don't think they should make it mandatory," he speculated. Hemlani believes safety on a scooter or motorcycle is the responsibility of each individual.

L.A. Cycles even goes out of their way to show scooter owners the dangers of reckless driving and speeding. "If you ride a bike, you should take into account it's your life on the line," the owner stated, but adding that he doesn't believe they should be forced to wear helmets. He said, "It's our freedom to be on a bike it feels free we're open. Don't make it a law to wear helmets - it should be our choice."

"I know the question is the freedom of choice and it's clear that this is a concern for society and how we address it should be addressed by mandating it," Senator Morrison added. We should note that helmets were once mandatory through legislation introduced back in the 8th Guam Legislature.

It was repealed years later and there has been at least one other failed attempt to mandate helmets in the past.