The requested URL /?page_id=42 was not found on this server. Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.While I don’t always see eye-to-eye with the political views and legislative agenda of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, I do love their research.  According to the front page of its website IIHS is an “…independent, non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses…on the nation’s highways…” Of course, when you read the fine print you see that the “Insurance” part of the IIHS name means that the money supporting the IIHS comes from the biggest auto insurers in the world.  While this slant may indicate that “reducing losses” means paying less on claims to those who get hurt [you don’t see the IIHS supporting bills to INCREASE pain and suffering awards], it doesn’t change the numbers – only the “spin” when the numbers are whacked around in public!

In the arena of bicycles and motorcycle, the IIHS does strong research on death/injury statistics. It then tinges those numbers with a “Pro Helmet Law” flavoring which I, personally, tend to ignore.  I simply do not feel that the government should be telling us what kind of hat to wear when we go ride our bikes and motorcycles.  The numbers don’t support it – rather, the numbers would indicate that if Kevlar suits and helmets were required for CAR drivers and passengers, they would be a LOT safer… when they pass THAT law, they can tackle the really small problem of bicycle/motorcycle injuries. The IIHS published an excellent summary of bicycle and motorcycle laws, which is shown below.  You can also go here to read about it up close and personal. Currently in OHIO there is NO bicycle helmet law.  However, there is one percolating in the Legislature at this very moment.  More on that later.  For now, here’s the IIHS summary of Bicycle and Motorcycle Helmet Laws in the US.

Twenty states and the District of Columbia have motorcycle helmet laws that require all riders to wear a helmet. Twenty-seven states have a motorcycle helmet law that only require some riders to wear a helmet. Three states (Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire) do not have a motorcycle helmet law. Low-power cycle (LPC) is a generic term used by IIHS to cover motor-driven cycles, mopeds, scooters, and various other 2-wheeled cycles excluded from the motorcycle definition. motorcycles for sale in mandurahWhile state laws vary, a cycle with an engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less, brake horsepower of 2 or less, and top speeds of 30 mph or less typically is considered an LPC. motorcycle airbag jacket testTwenty-two states have motorcycle helmet laws that cover all low-power cycles. motorcycle sales ormskirk

Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have laws that cover some low-power cycles. Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have bicycle helmet laws that require some young bicyclists to wear a helmet. Local law may require helmet use for some or all bicyclists. Weekend at the Opry| How to Plan Events| 35th Anniversary Cruise Pics Motorcycle helmet use governs: Does the motorcycle helmet law Bicycle helmet use governs: Information taken from iihs.gov December, 2011. motorcycles for sale in champaign illinoisPlease check for current state laws before traveling.‘Have a Holly Jolly Christmas’ with the Florence Christmas Parade on Court Street in Downtown Florence. Friday, December 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays and to ‘Have a Holly Jolly Christmas’ (this year’s theme) than to attend the Florence Christmas parade!

You are encouraged to theme your float, performance or musical group in costume, decoration or musical selection. Get creative & have some fun! Florence Main Street is once again responsible for coordinating the Florence Christmas Parade and as always, there are rules to be followed. These rules and regulations are to improve safety (following state laws and city ordinances) and provide increased enjoyment for participants and spectators.The Parade route will follow Court Street from the north end at Rogers Hall on the UNA campus to the southern end at Alabama Street. Parade line up will begin at 6 pm on Pine Street between Irvine and Cumberland Streets. Your exact time for line up will be determined by your placement in the parade. That information will be sent to you the week before the parade. Please remember with the Parade line up being on Pine Street and ending on South Court Street at Alabama Street to arrange your drop off and pick up locations to match those areas.

The following are the guidelines set forth for the 2016 Florence Christmas Parade: There will be awards for Best Decorated Float (Commercial & Non-Profit), Best Band and Best Performance Group. Each entry is limited to four (4) units. For example, the XYZ club will be allowed four cars in their entry. Entries MUST be decorated or dressed to reflect the theme of the parade: ‘Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!’; No un-decorated vehicles will be allowed! There’s nothing more boring than watching a bunch of cars driving down the road! Santa is a special guest and has his own float. No Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus impersonators allowed in or on any parade entry. Motorcyclists are required by Alabama state law to wear helmets at all times. Motorcycles which are not designed and licensed for public streets will not be allowed to participate in the parade. Alabama state law prohibits ATVs from public streets; therefore, ATVs are not permitted in the parade.