American State Wants to Remove Mandatory Helmet Use Law

West Virginia delegates are attempting to get a vote to remove helmet requirements accepted. If successful, it would make it yet another on an already long list of US states where helmets are now not mandatory.

Something that is completely bonkers to me, but is a regular course of action in the United States, the requirement to wear helmets on motorcycles varies state-by-state. Basically, there is no country-wide rule on the use of what is widely regarded as a key lifesaving device.

West Virginia is currently one of those states where helmets must be worn, however, neighbouring states Ohio and Kentucky do not have helmet requirements, meaning riders only have to wear the protective equipment if they want to.

Tuesday was the final day that lawmakers had to introduce new bill requirements, however, it was the motorcycle helmet vote that caused the most debate in the local house of authority. 

Those in favour of the amendment believe that West Virginia’s helmet law hurts tourism, although members against the new requirement are convinced that removing the helmet law would lead to more accidents and higher insurance premiums. The final point is one that was proven when Missouri removed its mandate for people to wear motorcycle helmets when riding, and death rates for bikers unsurprisingly went up.

Republican Delegate. John Paul Hott from Grant County said: “To me, this is not a freedom bill. In 1993, West Virginia made wearing a seatbelt mandatory. There’s a reason for that. It saves lives. This body recently took up legislation about food dyes to hopefully save lives. I ask for everyone’s consideration on this topic. With my 30-plus years in the insurance industry, I can assure you will see substantial rate changes if you implement the gentleman’s amendment. Please vote no.”

The most shocking part of all this is that another republican Delegate. Chris Anders of Berkeley County, an experienced rider himself, admits he chooses to wear a helmet at all times but that rules to make everyone wear the head gear are not necessary, and that it should be up to each motorcyclist to do what they please.

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