From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG Mo. Digital News Missouri Digital News MDN.ORG: Mo. Digital News MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
Help  

Motorcycle helmet law under consideration

February 2, 1999
By: Princess Reyes
State Capital Bureau A Missouri lawmaker proposes giving motorcycle drivers over 21 the freedom to not wear a helmet. Princess Reyes has this report from Jefferson City:

Under current law, anyone who rides a motorcycle must wear a helmet. Sen. Danny Staples has introduced a bill that would make the helmet law applicable to only those under 21. Ten members of the Freedom Roadriders came to the hearing to support him.

Actuality:hall201.wav
RunTime: 12 secs
OutCue:
Contents: A member of the Freedom Roadriders says they are not discouraging anyone from wearing helmets and an adult should be able to choose whether or not to wear one. But opponents presented statistics showing that in states without helmet laws, only about 50 percent of motorcyclists wear their helmets, resulting in more fatalities in accidents.

Princess Reyes in Jefferson City.

Motorcycle safety was the topic of debate today/Tuesday in the state capitol. Princess Reyes has this story from Jefferson City:

Motorcycle riders and drivers over 21 would not have to wear helmets if a new bill under consideration in the state senate is passed.

But Dale Finley of the Missouri Safety Council says that's a dangerous idea.

Actuality:finley.wav
RunTime: 15 secs
OutCue:
Contents: Finley says that in states without the helmet law, only 50 percent of motorcyclists wear their helmets, resulting in more fatalities. Members of the Freedom Roadriders support the bill, saying the number of motorcycle accidents in Missouri has decreased in the last ten years. They say that this bill will give adults the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a helmet.

This is Princess Reyes from Jefferson City.