I was wondering: does the gov't require helmets for sky-diving, mountain climbing, river rafting, skiing, bungee jumping, etc? I mean gov't, with laws, not the insurance companies (or the business providing the service). After all, accidents in those activities have a head injury risk, with the same result on society.
So if they don't have laws for those activities, why force it on motorcyclists? I willingly wear a helmet at times, but there are times when I'd like to have freedom of choice, such as in stop and go traffic in hot weather. The gov't should only be involved in functions like national defense, foreign affairs, and crimes--real crimes, not "you might hurt 'society' if you have an accident and if you hit your head and it might be enough to make you a vegetable."
Many people make the choice to stop riding (or never start) when they get married and/or have kids because of the potential effects on their family. I support that as a Personal Choice, not mandated by gov't. Same thing with helmets and firearms.