Twilight star Robert Pattinson falls foul of Aussie helmet laws

Tarzak wrote:

In the world of Internet forums making a statement elicits the same effect as formulating a question.
I thank you for taking the time to give such a well thought out and illuminating, but more importantly, amusing answer.
If by some mischance we both get knocked off our bikes and land on our heads, one of us will have a greater chance of maintaining their current level of moron.
I will of course look like a dork either way.

Any chance, then, that you could answer my questions? Did you understand or not?

And have you decided I don't wear a helmet, despite me never saying anything to that effect? In which case, thankyou for confirming you are indeed a moron. And wrong. Please don't waste time asking why I have posted: my objections to your statement were perfectly clear in the first post. Next time, read what someone actually says, not what you think they said.

Oh, and don't try and pull off dignified and aloof in future. You can't.

Tarzak wrote:

I personally, do not understand why you wouldn't want to wear a helmet to protect your 'precious' noggin. I always have, even before the compulsory helmet laws.

Oh for the days when someone who couldn't understand something shut the hell up and listened until they did. Or at least had the decency to ask.

Really, what are you aiming to achieve? Are you trying to convince someone? How on earth would anyone worth convincing be persuaded by someone who by their own admission can't understand the opposing viewpoint?

Here, I'll spell it out for you in baby words. People don't like spending money they don't have to. They don't like uncomfortable things on their head. They don't like looking dorky. They don't like having stuff to cart around when their trip is done, or else worry about leaving an easily stolen item unguarded. If you don't think riding without a helmet is unacceptably dangerous, you therefore won't bother.

You don't have to agree with these viewpoints, but if you don't understand them, then I'm pretty certain that makes you retarded. So, honestly, can you? If so, why did you not actually explain to someone who holds that viewpoint why they're wrong instead of wasting time acting the moron?

Quote:

We're guessing that he'd just have sucked any fine up.

Sucked, as in blood? Very droll.

I just think there is something screwed up with a legal system that cautions a man for riding a bicycle without a helmet, but lets him walk around free despite "acting" in some of the worst "movies" ever made.

Edit: For accuracy, I have put quotes around certain words.

Nonsense.

Australia has democratically elected governments that have passed these laws. The Police are required to ensure people comply and stop them if they continue to flout the law after being cautioned.

I'm an Australian cyclist btw. And proud of the "nanny state". I don't think it's a personal freedom to needlessly endanger my own life or others - particularly with a public health system picking up the cost of accidents. For better of worse Australia has always been active in persuing regulation that reduces the cost to the health system - e.g. plain packaging on tobacco products.

While the stats do seem to suggest that the helmet laws have reduced the severity of head injuries in Australia I agree there are many other changes that would more positively assist vulnerable road user safety - but all of these have a higher political or financial cost - this is the consequence of democracy and the minority status of cyclists and pedestrians.

I have to fess up and say I don't always comply with all laws - but I do expect a fine if I get caught transgressing.

@seanw18 - your argument doesn't hold water when confronted with the facts, but I suspect you won't be very interested in those.

If you're endangering your own and other people's lives by riding a bicycle then get some lessons before it's too late!

What a depressing country - where the state can make you a criminal just to save itaelf healthcare costs. Do you have to sit up and drag the brakes downhill as well? Do fatties who drive everywhere end up in court?