Obviously, very true. I ride every day, and I'd never ride without one.
But is the government's goal to save 'one' life... or reduce total road fatalities and injuries?
I don't think that's going to happen by just setting up a table on a street corner to catch the occasional rider without a helmet. That might save the rider's life, but do nothing for the accidents caused by the nutter cutting off other drivers, passing on blind curves, and ignoring traffic lights.
Here's an idea: Get out on the roads and stop the insane drivers! Putting a helmet on the head of a tourist might save HIS/HER life, but does nothing for the rest of the community. And isn't THAT who the police should be protecting?