HB 70 -- MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

SPONSOR:  Koller

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Transportation by a vote of 16 to 4.

This bill requires only persons under 21 years of age to wear
protective headgear when operating or riding as a passenger on
any motorcycle or motortricycle.  Currently, all motorcyclists
are required to wear protective headgear.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this is strictly an issue of
freedom and right of adults to make a choice.  Helmet studies
show that helmet laws do not stop accidents or affect accident
or fatality rates.  Rider training and motorist awareness have a
greater impact on accident and fatality rates than mandatory
helmet laws.  Currently, 28 states allow some form of adult
choice helmet laws.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Koller; and Freedom
of Road Riders.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that Missouri's
motorcycle helmet law was good public policy when it was enacted
34 years ago and is still good public policy.  Opponents say
helmet laws do work and helmet usage is the single most
important factor governing survival in motorcycle crashes.
Opponents also say that helmet laws that govern only minors are
extremely difficult to enforce.

Testifying against the bill were Missouri Safety Council;
Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council; and Missouri College of
Emergency Physicians.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:42 am