Helmets, Moral Hazard And Individual Freedom

Do helmets/seat-belts save lives? In the context of an accident, the answer is an emphatic yes. However, there is another aspect to it. Moral hazard. It has been argued that one is more likely to be careless if one is wearing protective gear. The argument goes that if one is wearing seat-belts, one would be more (over)confident because one thinks that in the case of an accident, one is likely to be saved. But as freakonomics points out , in that case the government should mandate that a razor sharp knife be installed on every steering wheel! That would make us more careful, right?

Interestingly enough, at least in the case of bikers, it seems to influence the behavior of other road users too:

He rigged his bicycle with an ultrasonic sensor that could detect how close each car was that passed him. Then he hit the roads, alternately riding with a helmet and without for two months, until he had been passed by 2,500 cars. Examining the data, he found that when he wore his helmet, motorists passed by 8.5 centimeters (3.35 inches) closer than when his head was bare. He had increased his risk of an accident by donning safety gear.Why? You might suspect that cyclists wearing helmets are more prone to take risks. But studies have found otherwise. The real answer, Walker theorizes, is that helmets change the behavior of drivers. Motorists regard a helmet as a signal that the cyclist is experienced and thus can be approached with less caution. “They see the helmet and think, Oh, there’s a serious, skilful person,” Walker says. “And you get hit.”

While the survey is hardly scientific, there might be something in it. I recall a similar survey done in UK, which came to roughly the same conclusion. Does that mean bikers should not wear helmets?

Hardly. Clearly, the problem here is not the helmets per se but people’s perception regarding their usage. The trick here is to couple the use of helmets with other public policy initiatives. For example, clearly demarcated road space for bikers or education for car owners that bikers have as much right to be on roads as they have- a fact which sadly enough car owners in India don’t realize. Similarly, seat belts are more useful when heavy penalties are given for other traffic law violations-over speeding or drunken driving. Another very important aspect is proper education: seat-belts/helmets save lives but not in every case!

The second argument which is often made in the case of helmets/seat belts is that it is an infringement of individual freedom. ”It my head, whats your problem if I bang it.” Generally, this is a logic which I heartily endorse but not in this case.

Suppose I get into an accident with someone who is not wearing a seat-belt/helmets and who suffers more grievous injuries than he would have. Now, for any argument to make sense, this assumption while not always true should be accepted. The point here is not specific instances where helmets prevent serious injuries but acceptance of the general principle that they can. It is backed by a huge body of scientific evidence which a simple goggle search should reveal.

Anyway, coming back to the main point. So what happens if the guy suffers more injuries than he ordinarily would have?

a. I might face higher legal charges-head injuries can kill.

b. The person would land up in a hospital. If he can’t pay, treatment still can’t be denied for legal reasons, in that case my tax dollars will pay for him. Even if his insurance picks up the tab, since the money comes from a common pool, premium of other members would go up.

In both scenarios I lose. So people have the right to hurt themselves. But, you know what?

Not with my money!

(both links via Ajay Shah)