Missouri’s Motorcycle Fatality Spike: A Cautionary Tale of Helmet Law Repeal

The feeling of the wind flowing through your hair, the endless journey on the open road, and the unfettered sense of freedom – these are the glorified advantages of motorcycle riding that many aficionados avidly swear by. However, following the abolishment of Missouri’s mandatory helmet law, a harsh truth has emerged: a steep surge in motorcycle fatalities. This statistic goes beyond mere numbers; it serves as a cautionary tale for all riders emphasizing the crucial life-preserving role of helmet use.

Missouri’s concerning trend began after the state legislature repealed the universal helmet law in 2020. Before this change, safety advocates and opponents of the repeal pointed to the crash fatality numbers in other states as a cautionary tale. And now, the fears have materialized. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, fatal motorcycle crashes have surged from 118 in 2019 to 143 last year, with a significant number of those fatalities involving riders not wearing helmets.

The law change allowed motorcyclists 26 and older to ride without a helmet, provided they have health insurance. This decision has sparked a debate about personal freedom versus responsibility. Motorcyclists like Bryan Davis and Brayden Thompson acknowledge the thrill of riding without a helmet but also recognize the inherent dangers. Davis describes motorcycling as ‘an experience of freedom,’ while Thompson admits, ‘The research is undeniable; helmets save your life if you get in an accident.’

Impact of the change

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2021, the first full year under the new law, there were 152 fatal motorcycle crashes, with 78 unhelmeted riders. Last year, 68 riders without helmets died in 143 fatal crashes. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has reported that 2023 saw the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities ever in the state, nearly 50% higher than the average before the helmet law was repealed.

But it’s not just about fatalities. Sergeant Mike McClure of the Missouri State Highway Patrol emphasizes that injuries that aren’t fatal can still ‘impact and change the trajectory of someone’s life.’ And it’s not only motorcyclists who are at risk; bicyclists, scooter drivers, and skateboarders also benefit from helmet use. In California, for example, strict helmet laws have been implemented to protect riders of all kinds, with penalties in place for those who flout the rules.

The situation in Missouri serves as a stark reminder of the importance of helmet laws. As MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna puts it, ‘public policy matters and we’ve taken a step backwards.’ The increase in fatalities and severe injuries is a direct consequence of policy change, and it’s a lesson that other states should heed.

When contemplating the equilibrium between individual liberty and community well-being, the lessons drawn from Missouri’s encounters are unambiguous. Helmets transcend mere fashion statements; they constitute a pivotal safety component that could spell the distinction between survival and tragedy. This admonition resonates deeply with every biker, irrespective of legal mandates. Ultimately, every motorcycle enthusiast’s paramount aspiration is to savor the thrill of the ride and return unscathed to their loved ones.

Related posts:
Motorcycle fatalities on the rise in Missouri
Motorcycle Fatalities Nearly Double After Helmet Repeal — 102.7FM KPGZ
MPA Capitol Report 4/12/2024