Does Missouri Have Helmet Laws?
Bicycles and motorcycles are popular modes of transportation in Missouri. Unfortunately, not everyone rides these vehicles safely, with improper helmet use being the biggest offender. To help you and your family prevent or minimize injuries in bicycle accidents and motorcycle accidents, the Missouri injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group explain Missouri helmet laws.
Why Is Helmet Use Important?
Most people have a basic understanding of the protective value of helmets. However, many people underestimate just how effective they can be. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), helmets are “37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators.” A study posted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that using a bicycle helmet reduces the chances of head injury by 48%, serious head injury by 60%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, and cyclist fatality by 34%.
As the numbers show, it’s immensely beneficial to wear a proper-fitting helmet, regardless of whether they’re required or not. From a legal standpoint, there may be situations where helmet use is required. Let’s go over the different helmet laws for bicycle and motorcycle riders in Missouri.
Missouri Helmet Laws for Motorcycle Riders
Missouri does not have universal motorcycle helmet laws. Instead, the state mandates helmet use based on age. This is outlined in Missouri Revised Statute 302.026, which states that riders under the age of 26 must wear a helmet. Motorcyclists over the age of 26 are permitted to ride without a helmet “if they have health insurance with at least $50,000 in medical benefits coverage.”
The Missouri motorcycle crash injury lawyers at Patterson Legal Group strongly suggest wearing a proper helmet, no matter your age or insurance situation.
Missouri Helmet Laws for Bicycle Riders
Missouri does not have statewide bicycle laws. Requirements vary from county to county and city to city. Some laws are based on age, while others consider where the bicycle is being ridden. For example, St. Louis County requires helmet use in public parks for bike riders under the age of 17. In comparison, all people in Creve Coeur must wear a bicycle helmet “when riding bikes on a public roadway, public bike path, or other public right of way.”
Be sure to check with your local laws or the laws of the city you’re planning to bike in to make sure that you understand the prevailing helmet requirements. The Missouri bicycle injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group strongly recommend wearing a bicycle helmet, no matter where you plan on riding.
Injured While Riding? Contact a Top Missouri Injury Lawyer.
The team at Patterson Legal Group hopes that you found this information in Missouri helmet laws useful. Please share this blog with your friends and family so that they have a better understanding of helmet requirements. Don’t be afraid to encourage your loved ones to wear a helmet while biking or motorcycling. It’s a simple act that can provide tremendous protection in the event of an accident.
If you or a family member were injured in a bicycle crash or motorcycle wreck in Missouri, then contact Patterson Legal Group for immediate assistance. You can reach us for a free, no obligation consultation by phone at (816) 920-0000 and online through our secure contact form or connecting with our LiveChat agents.
Patterson Legal Group’s team of distinguished trial lawyers has recovered more than $250-million in settlements for injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Furthermore, we work under a “no win, no fee” promise, so you will not pay a dime unless a settlement has been recovered on your behalf. Reach out to us today–at no risk–to explore your legal options.
