After a long fight, Missouri motorcycle enthusiasts are coming even closer to the freedom of deciding whether or not they wear a helmet. First-round approval has been granted to a bill that would lift the previous state law that required motorcyclists to wear protective head gear while on the road. The vote, however, was a narrow one. With just one more House vote, the issue will advance on to the Senate. Eric Burlison, Republican from Springfield, is hopeful that the helmet law indeed is appealed. It’s the opinion of him and many others that the government doesn’t have the power to decide whether or not motorcyclists take protective measures while driving. This is something riders should have the right to decide for themselves. Missouri is currently one of only 19 states that have a law requiring the use of a helmet for motorcycle riders, and a growing number of citizens argue that it’s time for Missouri to join the majority. Burlison said, “It’s time that Missouri join those states and give our individuals freedom.”

Some feel the bill is being introduced for a more covert purpose. It’s the opinion of St. Louis County Democrat Deb Lavender that it’s a “jobs bill.” He indicates that it would be of the benefit to the medical industry as more jobs will arise for hospitals, physical therapists, surgeons, and others in the field. The efforts made have been relentless as Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed the bill back in 2009. In more recent years, the bill passed the House but didn’t make it through the Senate. If the latest efforts prove successful, there will be stipulations. The rider has the choice of whether or not to wear a helmet, but they must be at least 21 years old, carry special insurance, and go through additional safety training. This entry was posted on Monday, May 16th, 2016 at 7:52 pm by admin and is filed under Current Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.Spring is finally here, and May - which is Motorcycle Safety Awareness

Month - is right around the corner. As temperatures begin to warm, drivers in the Ozarks can expect to see our area motorcyclists getting back on their bikes once again, along with all those out-of-state riders who enjoy traveling through our state's beautiful riding country. Since there isn't much motorcycle traffic during the winter months, many drivers forget all about sharing the road with motorcycles by the time spring rolls around. In this post, our Missouri personal injury lawyers review some important motorcycle safety tips that all motorists should keep in mind this riding season. Hint: This post is a great one to share with all your riding buddies, as well as your friends on four wheels Sharing the road: What drivers can do to reduce motorcycle accidents Be aware of motorcyclists traveling near you and respect their right to the road. Remember, under state law, motorcycles are entitled to the same rights and privileges as any other kind of motor vehicle.

Allow extra space between your vehicle and a motorcycle traveling near you. Always increase your following distance when traveling behind a motorcyclist. Motorcycles handle differently than other kinds of passenger vehicles, so it's essential to give riders plenty of room in case they need to swerve or stop suddenly. Also, importantly, a larger vehicle should not attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle. suzuki motorcycle dealers suffolkThough there may appeardaytona 3/4 motorcycle helmets to be plenty of room, a motorcycle needs a full lane to maneuver safely.motorcycle sales limerick Always use your turn signals when you're preparing to make a turn,dainese motorcycle jackets australia

change lanes, or merge into traffic. Doing so will help motorcyclists anticipate your next move and respond accordingly. Expect riders to make sudden adjustments for roadway conditionsHazards like loose gravel, uneven pavement and wet roads can be especiallyRiders often need to change their speed or adjust lane position when they encounter these conditions. Many motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers simply don'tdirt bikes for sale in middletown ny realize a motorcyclist is there. wwii rabbit motorcycle for saleIt's paramount that you check your mirrors and your blind spots, especially at intersections and when makingIt just might save someone's life. Ride safe: What motorcyclists can do to reduce accident and injury risks Be aware of other vehicles traveling near you, and respect their right

Treat other motorists with the same courtesy you expect - and deserveRemember, you have the same rights as other motorists, but you also have the same responsibilities. Don't tailgate or ride between lanes of slow moving traffic, obey traffic laws, and practice defensive driving. Wear a helmet and protective gear. In Missouri, state law requires all motorcyclists to wear a DOT-compliant helmet, and doing so is the simplest, most effective way to avoid serious injury in the event of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a helmet reduces crash fatalityIn addition, protective gear (like jackets, gloves and boots) helps protect your skin against road rash, burns from exhaust pipes, and Make yourself visible to other drivers. "Be safe, be seen" is a great rule of thumb. steps to make it easier for other drivers to see you. in larger vehicles' blind spots, maintain the most visible position

within your lane, and wear brightly colored clothing and reflectors. riders, we can be easily obscured by other vehicles and various roadside objects. Don't drink and ride. Sadly, alcohol is a contributing factor in a significant number of fatal Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2012, 29% of fatally injured motorcyclists involved in multi-vehicle accidents had a blood alcohol content at or above 0.08% - and 43% of fatally injured riders involved in single-vehicle accidents had BACs at or aboveDrinking even a small amount of alcohol can slow your reaction time, impair your judgment, and increase your risk of having Consider taking a safety course. Safety courses can help you build and develop your riding skills, whether you're a novice rider or a motorcyclist with years of experience. Missouri Motorcycle Safety Program provides online teaching materials and resources to help you brush up on safe riding practices and find a safety course in your area that's