FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2019
Contact: Allison Kennedy, akennedy@saferoads.org, 360-281-7033
Statement of Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, On Veto of Missouri Motorcycle Helmet Law Repeal
Governor Mike Parson Vetoes All-Rider Helmet Repeal Bill — Tremendous Victory for Safety Will Save Lives and Taxpayer Dollars
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates) commends Missouri Governor Mike Parson (R) on vetoing legislation (SB 147) that would have repealed the state’s all-rider motorcycle helmet law. This critical action will prevent needless injuries and loss of life on Missouri roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles are “the most hazardous form of transportation.” Nationwide, over 5,000 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2017, according to NHTSA. Moreover, on average, motorcycle crashes amount to nearly $13 billion in economic costs and an additional $66 billion in societal harm each year.
All-rider helmet laws are effective at saving lives, reducing injuries and containing costs. In fact, motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69 percent and lower the risk of death by 42 percent. In 2017, the average number of fatalities involving motorcyclists not wearing helmets was ten times as high in states that do not have an all-rider helmet law compared to states that do (1,777 vs. 170). Additionally, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), “laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets are the only strategy proved to be effective in reducing motorcyclist fatalities.”
Missourians will undoubtedly be safer due to the Governor’s bold leadership. We are grateful to Governor Parson for rejecting this legislation and keeping Missouri’s law intact which has been preventing deaths and injuries and saving taxpayer dollars for over 50 years.
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