Towson physicians petition a bill that would change the current state law that mandates motorcyclist to wear helmets at a press conference.
Ironically, a motorcyclist interrupted the press conference when he arrived at Memorial Hospital where he sustained injuries.
About 50 local physicians unveiled a petition to Maryland legislators asking them not to pass the bill. The doctors have nearly 400 signatures and hope to have at least 500 by the time they send it to the legislature on Monday.
The press conference occurred Monday on the front lawn of Memorial Hospital. Doctors from Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Greater Baltimore Medical Center were present. Over 100 nurses, paramedics and other healthcare workers joined the audience.
The helmet mandate was approved about 25 years ago and statistics prove it is a positive step.
“The number of serious head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents in Maryland is over 70 percent less now then when the helmet law was adopted 25 years ago,” said Dr. Karl Sodergreen.
Motorcyclists will not be the only ones affected by a potential change in the current helmet law. Health-care cost will also feel the impact of this new bill.
A study from last year about health-care costs related to motorcycle riding by the State Medical Society showed that emergency room costs alone could go up by more than 45 percent if the helmet law is repealed, said Dr. Hector Rivera.
The physicians plan to send their petition to the legislature on Monday, said Dr. Sodergreen.
Legislature will consider the bill next Wednesday.
The motorcyclist injured in a two-vehicle accident was 19-year-old Grady Smith of 8213 Peach Street. Smith suffered a broken arm and several broken ribs.
His injuries would have been much worse if he had not been wearing a helmet, said his doctor’s in the city police report.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment