09-11-2019, 10:21 AM
(09-11-2019, 10:11 AM)Coke6pk Wrote: This is very similar to when there is a car accident and they mention driver "was not wearing a seat belt" or "was under the influence of alcohol/drugs". You can say the fact the driver was drunk is not relevant, I say I want everyone to know what happens when you drink and drive.
I mostly agree with your general point. In this specific case, information about whether or not the cyclist was wearing a helmet was a statement of fact in the accident report.
However, I don't believe this is an accurate comparison to make. Not wearing a seat belt and driving while under the influence are illegal. An adult gets to choose whether or not they wear a helmet. If you want to pull an example from the world of automobiles, it should be one where it is or was optional. Raising the issue of whether or not a driver was wearing a safety belt before the laws became widespread might be a good way to use your example. I grew up in the 80s and it was probably half and half who did and didn't wear a seat belt. True for drunk driving too: By including safety-related information in the reporting on the subject the culture changed and laws were passed.
That's still imperfect though. The safety value of helmets is not quite as well proven as that of seat belts, and there is still reasonable debate on the subject.