Our Opinion: Easing helmet law defies common sense

News Tribune editorial

A legislative proposal to ease motorcycle helmet restrictions in Missouri has resurfaced, along with the counterfeit claim the issue is personal freedom.

Individual freedom may be applicable to someone isolated in a vacuum, but that's not anyone we know.

Whatever temporary, personal exhilaration a motorcyclist might experience from riding without a helmet hardly justifies the social risk.

The proposal, nevertheless, repeatedly re-emerges, this year in the form of legislation sponsored by Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, to exempt motorcyclists age 21 and over from wearing a helmet. Under his proposal, riders who meet the age requirement also would need to have held a motorcycle license for two years, complete a safety course and meet insurance requirements.

Stipulations on skill and experience, however, fail to protect the motorcycle operator who is not at fault in a collision, which is sometimes - perhaps, often - the case.

As we have written previously in this forum, the consequences of a crash by a helmet-less motorcyclist radiate well beyond the rider and affect public safety, health care costs, insurance premiums and emotional turmoil among family and friends.

Data from the National Conference of State Legislatures has reported a higher percentage of fatal motorcycle crashes in states without mandatory helmet laws.

And statistics from the Highway Loss Data Institute show an increase in average medical claims from motorcycle crashes in states that have relaxed helmet laws. And, as we all know, increased insurance claims invariably result in higher premiums.

Taxpayers also face an added burden if the proposal is approved because helmet-less riders are more prone to head injuries, which may relegate them to rehabilitation and long-term care facilities often subsidized or supported by government funding.

Finally, consider the emotional toll experienced by family members, friends and co-workers when a motorcyclist is killed or suffers a debilitating injury. The victim isn't the only person afflicted by pain and suffering that could have been avoided by adhering to a reasonable safety standard.

House members on Thursday approved Burlison's proposal and advanced it to the Senate, where it has met resistance in previous years.

We urge senators once again to defeat this ill-conceived measure that conflicts with common sense and the health and welfare of Missourians.