Per Newninja:

Personally I think we would see the average IQ of the population increase in only a generation or two if we eliminated stupid product warnings (sticker on table saw -"keep hands away from blade") and let people choose for themselves whether or not to use a helmet, safety harness, etc..

Re: table saws. We have a full cabinet shop here, but before anyone goes to work in that shop, we put him through OSHA safety fundamentals, OSHA woodworking shop safety, and OSHA First Aid. It will cost me over $5,800.00 to get a new cabinet maker checked out on comprehensive shop safety. That is cheap insurance in any activity that poses an inherent risk.

Motorcycling poses inherent risks unique to this mode of transportation. That is why we mandate special endorsements on drivers' licenses. The same applies to all my Class-A CDL drivers: we give safety its due.

No one can be ignorant or careless and remain safe. If you ever thought that "Darth Vader" helmet gave you a coat of invincibility, think again. Hotshots on closed racecourses have EMT's handy to peel them from the road, but out here in the real world, those hotshots would not survive.

The best way to learn motorcycling is from proven motorcyclists. ABATE has chapters in every state, and these proven riders can show you how to ride safely -- the way they have been riding for 35 years on average.

You will notice that they ride a dozen makes of scooter, but the most often encountered is the old reliable Harley-Davidson -- because they are safe, reliable, fun, and you will find that they last long enough to hand it down to your grandkids.