You’ll Still be Required to Wear it
We reported on the fact that Missouri lawmakers wanted to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law. All that had to happen was that the Governor had to sign it. He was expected to do so. However, in a surprise decision, Governor Mike Parson vetoed it. You still have to wear a helmet in Missouri.
According to St. Louis Public Radio, the Governor didn’t veto the bill because he disagreed with the idea that people should be able to choose to wear a helmet or not. He did so because he disagreed with another potion of the bill that was added to it.
There was a section of the bill that pertained to transportation in general. This section included legislation on turning at red lights, rental car fees, and license suspensions for minor traffic infringements. Because of these issues with the bill, Governor Parson was forced to veto it.
This is a clear example of how a bill for one, specific thing can be muddled by outside agendas. It’s also a tactic some use to keep bills from getting pushed through. Politics is a nasty business, and this time it benefited motorcycle safety advocates.
In motorcycle forums, I consider this as taboo a discussion as abortion, religion and politics. I’ll leave the arguing to those who feel strongly about their side.
It’s an interesting decision. That’s as far as I’ll go on this one. For what it’s worth, I live in Missouri. Still… nope.
It is a truly horrible thing to see a fellow biker die just because he didn’t wear a helmet. I have. and maybe this law will prevent somebody else from a senseless death.