A proposal to ease motorcycle helmet restrictions has no redeeming value.
But with each new year and each new legislative session, some lawmaker files a bill to relax the common-sense, safety standard.
This time, newly elected state Rep. Shane Roden, Cedar Hill, has advanced a proposal to lift the requirement for riders age 21 and older. The helmet requirement would remain for riders under age 21 or those with learner's permits.
Proponents of easing or eliminating helmet laws say the issue is about individual freedom.
It isn't.
It's about collective concerns, including public safety, insurance rates, health care expenses and social costs.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures most recent data, "the percentage of people killed in motorcycle crashes in 2011 who were not wearing helmets is higher in states without a mandatory helmet law."
In addition, the Highway Loss Data Institute has reported when Michigan relaxed its helmet law, similar to the Missouri proposal, the average medical claim from a motorcycle crash increased by more than one-fifth.
When insurance claims increase, premiums also increase.
From a public health perspective, taxpayers also have an interest in this proposal. Why?
Because helmetless riders are more prone to head injuries, and many head injury victims reside at rehabilitation and long-term care facilities, often subsidized or supported by government funding.
And let's not forgot the emotional toll for family members, friends and co-workers when a motorcyclist is killed or suffers a debilitating injury. The victim isn't the only person affected when consequences from an accident could have been prevented by a reasonable safety standard.
A similar bill failed to make it to the Senate floor last session, although, for some inexplicable reason, it passed the House.
We encourage lawmakers not to burden Missourians, and motorcyclists, with the consequences of a law that defies common sense.