HB 555 -- OPERATION OF MOTORCYCLES (Burlison) COMMITTEE OF ORIGIN: Committee on General Laws
Currently, every person operating or riding as a passenger on any
motorcycle or motortricycle upon any state highway must wear protective
headgear when the vehicle is in motion. This bill specifies that this
provision will only apply to a person less than 21 years of age.
The bill also allows a person who has been issued a temporary
motorcycle instruction permit to renew the permit two additional times
for a total maximum period of 18 months.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-to-the-editor/no-helmet-should-mean-no-state-money-for-head-injuries/article_b9707741-6408-5b93-bfa7-ba307232cc76.html
No helmet should mean no state money for head injuries
If Missouri passes a law saying it is OK not to wear a motorcycle helmet if you are 21 or older, fine. The law should should also state that when you forgo helmet use, you are also forgoing any state funds to help pay for the medical treatment of your head injury and subsequent rehabilitation.
You made your bad decision, and you must take responsibility for the consequences of it, not the taxpayers of Missouri.
Celine Zidar • St. Louis
http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-to-the-editor/no-helmet-should-mean-no-state-money-for-head-injuries/article_b9707741-6408-5b93-bfa7-ba307232cc76.html
No helmet should mean no state money for head injuries
If Missouri passes a law saying it is OK not to wear a motorcycle helmet if you are 21 or older, fine. The law should should also state that when you forgo helmet use, you are also forgoing any state funds to help pay for the medical treatment of your head injury and subsequent rehabilitation.
You made your bad decision, and you must take responsibility for the consequences of it, not the taxpayers of Missouri.
Celine Zidar • St. Louis
http://www.lakenewsonline.com/article/20130505/NEWS/130509453
May is Motorcycle Safety Month
Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of Motorcycle Safety Month.
May. 5, 2013 @ 12:54 pm
Lake area -- Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of Motorcycle Safety Month. Favorable weather is practically an invitation to motorcyclists to go for a ride. Car and truck drivers need to share the road with motorcyclists and keep the following in mind: * Drivers should actively watch for motorcyclists. * Motorcycles may look farther away than they are due to their smaller size. It is also difficult to judge the speed at which a motorcycle is traveling as it approaches. *Motorcycles are hidden easily in a vehicle’s blind spots, or masked by objects or backgrounds. Thoroughly check traffic before changing lanes! *Motorcyclists may slow down by downshifting or easing off the throttle. So, you may not see a brake light. Allow extra distance between you and a motorcycle. *A motorcycle’s turn signal does not cancel after the turn like a vehicle’s signal does. So, pay attention, the motorcycle may not be turning. *A motorcyclist will often adjust their position in the lane in order to be seen more easily and to avoid debris, wind, or passing vehicles. Allow the motorcyclist to share the lane; don’t assume they are being reckless. *Stopping distance for motorcycles is similar to that of cars. But, slippery pavement can make stopping quickly difficult. Please allow more distance behind a motorcycle in these types of road conditions. It’s important that motorcyclists take an active role in their safety. Keep these suggestions in mind when you’re on the road: * Be visible. Motorists often have a hard time seeing you. Keep your headlight on, day or night. Use reflective strips/decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Be aware of other vehicle’s blind spots. *Dress for safety. Wear a helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing. Wear thick or leather clothing for protection. Section 302.020 RSMo. states, in part, “Every person operating or riding as a passenger on any motorcycle or motortricycle, as defined in Section 301.010 RSMo., upon any highway of this state shall wear protective headgear at all times the vehicle is in motion. The protective headgear shall meet reasonable standards and specifications established by the director.” *Think safety while riding. Give yourself space to react to other motorists’ actions. Use lane positioning to increase visibility. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next action in advance. Pretend you’re invisible and drive defensively. *Know your bike. Get formal training and take refresher courses. Practice riding your motorcycle before going into heavy traffic. Know how to handle your motorcycle in all types of road conditions. The Patrol encourages all motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-to-the-editor/no-helmet-should-mean-no-state-money-for-head-injuries/article_b9707741-6408-5b93-bfa7-ba307232cc76.html
No helmet should mean no state money for head injuries
If Missouri passes a law saying it is OK not to wear a motorcycle helmet if you are 21 or older, fine. The law should should also state that when you forgo helmet use, you are also forgoing any state funds to help pay for the medical treatment of your head injury and subsequent rehabilitation.
You made your bad decision, and you must take responsibility for the consequences of it, not the taxpayers of Missouri.
Celine Zidar • St. Louis
http://www.stltoday.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-to-the-editor/no-helmet-should-mean-no-state-money-for-head-injuries/article_b9707741-6408-5b93-bfa7-ba307232cc76.html
No helmet should mean no state money for head injuries
If Missouri passes a law saying it is OK not to wear a motorcycle helmet if you are 21 or older, fine. The law should should also state that when you forgo helmet use, you are also forgoing any state funds to help pay for the medical treatment of your head injury and subsequent rehabilitation.
You made your bad decision, and you must take responsibility for the consequences of it, not the taxpayers of Missouri.
Celine Zidar • St. Louis
http://www.lakenewsonline.com/article/20130505/NEWS/130509453
May is Motorcycle Safety Month
Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of Motorcycle Safety Month.
May. 5, 2013 @ 12:54 pm
Lake area -- Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of Motorcycle Safety Month. Favorable weather is practically an invitation to motorcyclists to go for a ride. Car and truck drivers need to share the road with motorcyclists and keep the following in mind: * Drivers should actively watch for motorcyclists. * Motorcycles may look farther away than they are due to their smaller size. It is also difficult to judge the speed at which a motorcycle is traveling as it approaches. *Motorcycles are hidden easily in a vehicle’s blind spots, or masked by objects or backgrounds. Thoroughly check traffic before changing lanes! *Motorcyclists may slow down by downshifting or easing off the throttle. So, you may not see a brake light. Allow extra distance between you and a motorcycle. *A motorcycle’s turn signal does not cancel after the turn like a vehicle’s signal does. So, pay attention, the motorcycle may not be turning. *A motorcyclist will often adjust their position in the lane in order to be seen more easily and to avoid debris, wind, or passing vehicles. Allow the motorcyclist to share the lane; don’t assume they are being reckless. *Stopping distance for motorcycles is similar to that of cars. But, slippery pavement can make stopping quickly difficult. Please allow more distance behind a motorcycle in these types of road conditions. It’s important that motorcyclists take an active role in their safety. Keep these suggestions in mind when you’re on the road: * Be visible. Motorists often have a hard time seeing you. Keep your headlight on, day or night. Use reflective strips/decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Be aware of other vehicle’s blind spots. *Dress for safety. Wear a helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing. Wear thick or leather clothing for protection. Section 302.020 RSMo. states, in part, “Every person operating or riding as a passenger on any motorcycle or motortricycle, as defined in Section 301.010 RSMo., upon any highway of this state shall wear protective headgear at all times the vehicle is in motion. The protective headgear shall meet reasonable standards and specifications established by the director.” *Think safety while riding. Give yourself space to react to other motorists’ actions. Use lane positioning to increase visibility. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next action in advance. Pretend you’re invisible and drive defensively. *Know your bike. Get formal training and take refresher courses. Practice riding your motorcycle before going into heavy traffic. Know how to handle your motorcycle in all types of road conditions. The Patrol encourages all motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket.
