>SNIP
>>I have to say I am with Jake regarding bike helmets and most of the other things he mentions. There are no federal laws requiring bike helmets but about half the states require them, up to various ages. (http://www.iihs.org/laws/HelmetUseCurrent.aspx). I don't think government has any business passing or enforcing "good for you" laws such as this on individuals. When I see a kid wearing a helmet, what I actually see is an overprotective parent.
>>
>>With some exceptions, if you look at the state by chart in the link above it appears to be a blue state thing.
>
>Emphasis mine.
>
>I agree those laws should be left up to the state. However I do NOT agree that a child wearing a helmet means an overprotective parent. Do you really think kids should go back to not wearing helmets and the parent is being overprotective by requiring their child to wear one?

Above a fairly young age, like about 8, yes.