Missouri removed its mandate for motorcyclists (over 26 with life insurance) to wear motorcycle helmets in 2020. And since then, there has been a 47% increase in the number of fatalities per year in the state. 2023 was Missouri's worst year for motorist deaths, with 174 colleagues deceased.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) just stated that there is obviously a correlation between the increase in motorist deaths and the implementation of the 2020 universal helmet law. MoDOT presented its brutal report on deaths to the Committee of House Transportation Accountability Report, detailing an increase in motorcycle deaths since 2018.
Death toll increases in Missouri
Although this is not a surprising consequence, it seems that there are other factors, in addition to the repeal of the helmet law, that could also have influenced the statistics. For example, the increase in traffic levels in 2022 and 2023 compared to the Pandemic years (2020 and 2021).
The burden of responsibility for pilots who opt for helmet protection while navigating Missouri roads cannot fall solely on state authorities. Each individual is responsible for their own safety, body, and the choices they make for their own well-being. However, it is not surprising that the fatality count among motorcyclists has escalated since the senseless repeal of this mandate.
Jon NelsonAssistant State Highway Traffic and Safety Engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), stated: “We've seen in other states that every time they repeal a helmet law, there are similar increases in the number of motorcyclist deaths.”.
Nelson He also said that of the motorcyclists who died without wearing helmets, around 50% had no or incorrect licenses. “I don't think any particular area, including public policy, is the silver bullet to solving this problem, these are layers of protection to improve security”. He pointed Jon. And he continued: “This starts with public awareness, education. And certainly public policy has a role to play in implementing that policy.”.
Unfortunately and despite the statistics, the report was heard, but there was no discussion about repealing the repeal of the universal helmet law.
