GRANDVIEW, Mo. – Riding off on a sunny spring Friday- it’s what some bikers call “freedom,” but a ride, even a life, can quickly be ruined with a bad accident.
“I’ve had a couple people who have gotten into wrecks, and one passed away; one didn’t. Both of them were not wearing their helmets,” said Brian Keegan.
A helmet, however, can make a bad accident a little less tragic.
“I’ve been around four different instances in the last 10 years where it actually probably saved people’s lives,” said Robert Bartow.
According to the CDC, helmets prevent 37 percent of crash deaths among motorcycle riders.
“I personally wear a helmet every day everywhere I go,” said Gail, the owner of Gail’s Harley Davidson.
Missouri House Bill 1655 would allow riders 21 and over to choose whether or not they want to wear a helmet. Currently it’s a requirement for everyone. The bill passed the Missouri House on Thursday. Even though they wear helmets, some riders say they like the bill.
“I think that it is fantastic that Missouri is thinking of changing the helmet law,” said Gail. “It should be their choice.”
However, others say no change is necessary. The current law is designed to keep people safe.
“I guess it’s personal choice, but we have to wear a seat belt in the car, so I don’t really see what the difference would be with the helmet,” said Bartow.
The Mo. Senate still needs to vote on the bill. The state of Kansas allows anyone 18 years or older to choose whether or not they want to wear a motorcycle helmet.
