Missouri Senate Considers New Motorcycle Helmet Requirements
One of the first bills introduced in Missouri’s state Senate in 2011 was a bill that would change the state’s motorcycle helmet requirements. The bill, introduced by Missouri state senator Dan Brown (R-Rolla), eliminates the motorcycle helmet requirement for drivers or passengers who are 21 years of age or older. Drivers or passengers under age 21, however, are still required to wear helmets.
Under the new law, a person under age 21 who does not wear a helmet may be fined no more than $25.00. However, no points are placed on the license of a rider that does not wear a helmet.
The bill, which was introduced in January 2011, is currently awaiting revision on the state Senate’s informal calendar. The Transportation Committee has already reviewed the bill and agreed that it should be made available to the entire Senate for advice, comment, and revision if necessary. Similar bills have been introduced in previous years, most recently in 2009. The 2009 bill passed through the state legislature, but was vetoed by the governor.
Wearing a properly-fitting motorcycle helmet can increase your chances of surviving a serious crash up to 37 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). While a helmet can reduce the risk of death or serious injury, it can’t make other drivers put safety first. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, the experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys at Page Law can help. To learn more, call us today at 312-344-8515 for a free and confidential case evaluation.
