Tag Archives: motorcycle helmet

SB 147: the legislative effort to increase organ donations

18 Saturday May 2019

Posted by in Missouri General Assembly, Missouri Senate

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“I think there’s a limit of what government should be involved in our lives.” – Sen. David Sater (r)

SB 147 was introduced by Senator David Sater (r). The bill summary:

[…]
MOTORCYCLE HEADGEAR (Sections 302.020 and 302.026)

…This act also provides that qualified operators who are 18 or older may operate a motorcycle or motortricycle without a helmet if he or she is covered by a health insurance policy or other form of insurance which will provide the person with medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a motorcycle or motortricycle accident. Proof of such coverage shall be provided on request of law enforcement by showing a copy of the qualified operator’s insurance card…
[…]

And:

[….]
Motorcyle helmet law

The House and Senate signed off on a package of transportation-related changes in state law, including one that would lift the requirement that all riders wear protective headwear.

Motorcycle riders under the age of 18 would still need to wear a helmet. Those over 18 could go without if they have health insurance.

During earlier debate, lawmakers agreed motorcyclists should wear helmets, but some said the choice should be a matter of personal freedom.

“I think there’s a limit of what government should be involved in our lives,” Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville said.
[….]

“…some said the choice should be a matter of personal freedom.” Like, maybe, personal medical decisions? Just asking.

He’s no where close to connecting the dots here, is he?

Previously:

HB 126 and HB 127: catering to their single issue base (December 3, 2018)

Gov. Mike Parson (r): Alabama, hold my beer… (May 15, 2019)

Gov. Mike Parson (r): New York is shorthand for what? (May 16, 2019)

Medieval (May 17, 2019)

Sen. Denny Hoskins (r): post session victory dance over any individal woman’s personal medical decisions (May 17, 2019)

Governor Jay Nixon (D) vetoed motorcycle helmet repeal

02 Thursday Jul 2009

Posted by in Uncategorized

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Today Governor Jay Nixon (D) vetoed SB 202, the repeal of Missouri’s motorcycle helmet law. He cited a number of reasons in his letter [pdf] to the Missouri Secretary of State:

…I disapprove of Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 202. My reasons for disapproval are as follows:

Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 202 repeals Missouri’s 42 year old helmet law for any motorcyclists of passengers 21 years of age or older, except on interstate highways.

Head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. Without a helmet, a motorcyclist is 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury than a helmeted motorcyclist in a crash. [Traffic Safety Facts, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, January 2008].

It is estimated that from 1984 through 2006, helmets saved the lives of 19,230 motorcyclists and 13,320 additional lives would have been saved had helmets been worn by operators or passengers.  [Traffic Safety Facts, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, January 2008].

In addition to safety issues, weakening or eliminating helmet laws causes a dramatic spike in the cost of treating patients who suffer injuries in motorcycle accidents. The State of Florida saw a 40 percent increase in the number of motorcyclists admitted to hospitals in the 30 months following repeal of its helmet law in 2002, with the cost for treatment more than doubling to $44 million.  [Traffic Safety Facts, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, January 2008]. According to one study, it was estimated that the total cost to treat motorcycle accident victims who were not wearing a helmet is $250,231,734 a year more than the cost of treating victims who were wearing a helmet. [Economic Impact of Motorcycle Helmets: From Impact to Discharge, Journal of trauma-Injury, Infection & Critical Care, 2006]

Ultimately the taxpayers must pay a significant portion of these increased costs. After Florida repealed its helmet law, 16 percent of injured motorcyclists admitted for hospital treatment were either under-insured or uninsured and the costs for another 21 percent were billed to either charitable or public sources, such as Medicaid. [Traffic Safety Facts, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, January 2008].

In accordance with the above stated reasons for disapproval, I am returning Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 202 without my Approval…

The news release from the governor’s office: Gov. Nixon vetoes bill to repeal Missouri helmet law; cites increased health care costs to taxpayers, public safety as primary concerns