The open road calls with the promise of freedom and the thrill of the wind, a feeling many motorcycle riders cherish. However, since Missouri did away with its mandatory helmet law, a grim reality has surfaced: a dramatic increase in motorcycle deaths, serving as a critical reminder that helmets are essential for saving lives.
This worrying trend in Missouri began after the state’s universal helmet law was rescinded in 2020, despite safety advocates’ warnings based on crash data from other states. Sadly, those fears have materialized, with fatal motorcycle crashes climbing from 118 in 2019 to 143 last year, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and a significant portion of these tragic outcomes involved riders who weren’t wearing helmets.
The revised law permits motorcyclists aged 26 and older to ride without a helmet if they carry health insurance, igniting a heated discussion about personal freedom versus safety obligations. While riders like Bryan Davis and Brayden Thompson acknowledge the exhilarating feeling of riding helmet-free, they also grasp the severe risks involved, with Thompson stating, ‘The research is undeniable; helmets save your life if you get in an accident.’
Impact of the change
The statistics paint a clear and distressing picture: in 2021, the first full year under the relaxed law, 152 fatal motorcycle crashes occurred, with 78 riders not wearing helmets. The following year, 68 unhelmeted riders perished in 143 fatal crashes, and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has reported that 2023 saw an unprecedented number of motorcyclist fatalities in the state, nearly 50% higher than the average before the helmet law’s repeal.
Beyond fatalities, Sergeant Mike McClure of the Missouri State Highway Patrol highlights that severe injuries, even if not fatal, can ‘impact and change the trajectory of someone’s life,’ underscoring the wide-ranging consequences of accidents. Furthermore, the importance of helmets extends beyond motorcyclists to include bicyclists, scooter operators, and skateboarders, a fact recognized in California where stringent helmet laws and penalties are in place to protect all types of riders.
Missouri’s current situation serves as a potent warning about the crucial role of helmet regulations, a sentiment echoed by MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna, who stated, ‘public policy matters and we’ve taken a step backwards.’ The undeniable rise in fatalities and serious injuries is a direct result of this policy shift, offering a crucial lesson for other states to consider carefully.
When we weigh individual liberty against the collective well-being, Missouri’s experience offers a stark lesson: helmets are far more than an accessory; they are a vital piece of safety equipment that can mean the difference between life and death for any rider. This vital message resonates with every motorcyclist, regardless of legal requirements, because the ultimate joy of riding is to experience the thrill and return home safely to loved ones.
