Missouri Changes Motorcycle Helmet Law

On Friday, August 28, a new Missouri law went into effect which eases restrictions on who has to wear helmets when riding a motorcycle. The new law allows a licensed driver, who is 26 or older and can provide proof of health insurance, with medical benefits for injuries as a result of an accident if they ride without a helmet.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (AHAS) urged the governor to veto the bill, saying the helmet law saves lives and prevents life-long brain trauma.

“States that have repealed their all-rider motorcycle helmet law always experience an increase in rider deaths, serious and disabling brain injuries and medical costs usually borne by taxpayers and the state,” said Catherine Chase, president of the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

“Research and experience find that because of this decision, all Missourians will bear significant burdens,” states an AHAS press release. “After Michigan weakened its universal helmet requirement in 2012, the percentage of non-helmeted crash scene fatalities quadrupled. The state also experienced a 14 percent increase in motorcyclist trauma patients who were hospitalized with a head injury.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story