PSA: Wear a helmet, save your noggin...

[Tiangou]

https://www.kcur.org/health/2024-04-14/m...helmet-law

In 2020, Missouri legislature repealed a law that required all motorcyclists over 26 to wear a helmet, so long as the rider could provide proof of health insurance.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, motorcycle fatalities have increased 47% since 2020. Last year was Missouri's deadliest on record, with 174 motorcycle deaths.

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Transportation said Thursday that there is a correlation between the rise in motorcycle fatalities and the repeal of the universal helmet law in 2020.

Since 2020, motorcycle fatalities have increased 47% and 2023 was the deadliest year on record for motorcycle fatalities with 174 deaths, according to MoDOT.

MoDOT presented its report on motorcycle fatalities to the House Transportation Accountability Committee, detailing an increase in motorcycle fatalities since 2018.

“We’ve seen that in other states,” said Jon Nelson, assistant to the State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer at MoDOT. “Whenever they’ve repealed a helmet law, (there are) similar increases.”

In 2020, Missouri legislature repealed a law that required all motorcyclists over 26 to wear a helmet, so long as the rider could provide proof of health insurance.

“I don't disagree that the helmet laws made a difference in the number of fatalities,” said Committee Chairman Don Mayhew, R-Crocker. “I think that's pretty obvious.” ...

[Acer]

Perhaps a life insurance requirement would be more appropriate than health insurance, if helmets won't be required.

[Michael]

I think there should be a requirement that if you don't wear a helmet that any medical care you need from such a decision shouldn't be insurance-based or society-based but rather out of your own pocket. Or from your estate.

[TheTominator]

I'd require an organ donor card.

[Carnos Jax]

Michael wrote:
I think there should be a requirement that if you don't wear a helmet that any medical care you need from such a decision shouldn't be insurance-based or society-based but rather out of your own pocket. Or from your estate.

Agreed

[SDGuy]

For some reason, this is the first thing I thought of...

[RAMd®d]

Back when I started riding there were no helmet laws in CA.

It was great, wind in my hair, etc.

Then came helmet laws.

I was not a fan, but am nothing if not a law-abiding citizen, I complied.

A lid (no, not that kind; I don't use.) became second nature, like using a seatbelt, which I did even before they were standard govt. issue.

Then In MT, where there were helmet laws didn't apply to me, I went lidless a couple of days, on surface streets.

If CA repealed it's requirements, I'd probably continue wearing a helmet 99% of the time.

There would be the occasional time, I think, that I'd ride unadorned.

Because it's still a great feeling, and it's much quieter then when wearing a helmet.

Think of it as a recreational skin-pop.

And no, I don't use.

[GGD]

Last week I saw someone riding with one of these on. From a distance I was wondering how they could see.



https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-FunnyC...B0CL9PB6YJ

[kj]

Michael wrote:
I think there should be a requirement that if you don't wear a helmet that any medical care you need from such a decision shouldn't be insurance-based or society-based but rather out of your own pocket. Or from your estate.

I ran a program until 2007 or so that had a few clients with TBI from motorcycle accidents. Acute rehab emptied their insurance in weeks, then they cost the state about 225 a day to take care of. Their own finances wouldn't have lasted long, if they'd had any. Actually, one was wearing a helmet. All were engaging in high-risk behavior, but what do you do? Most of us have done things that could have put us in the same situation.

[cbelt3]

kj wrote:
[quote=Michael]
I think there should be a requirement that if you don't wear a helmet that any medical care you need from such a decision shouldn't be insurance-based or society-based but rather out of your own pocket. Or from your estate.

I ran a program until 2007 or so that had a few clients with TBI from motorcycle accidents. Acute rehab emptied their insurance in weeks, then they cost the state about 225 a day to take care of. Their own finances wouldn't have lasted long, if they'd had any. Actually, one was wearing a helmet. All were engaging in high-risk behavior, but what do you do? Most of us have done things that could have put us in the same situation. Thank you for your work. I was 'lucky' that my TBI was a workplace accident.

Brain injuries suck. Wear a helmet and be careful with your noggin.