Helmet use among motorcyclists is higher in states that require helmets for all riders and passengers. Nationwide in states without an all-rider motorcycle helmet law, 57 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2020 were not wearing a helmet. This compares to 11 percent for states with universal helmet laws. Wearing an approved motorcycle helmet while riding is the most effective way to prevent a brain injury. Unfortunately, the Missouri all-rider motorcycle helmet law was repealed in August 2020. Motorcyclist fatalities of unhelmeted riders significantly increased from 11 individuals in 2019 to 76 in 2022. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates more than $625 million was saved in comprehensive costs for Missouri in 2017 through helmet use by motorcyclists. Another $82 million could have been saved with 100 percent helmet use. This savings was when there were 121 motorcyclist fatalities with a 10 percent unhelmeted motorcyclist fatality rate. About 39 percent of motorcycle crashes occur in rural areas. Motorcyclists ages 55 and older comprised 27 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2020. Missouri AgrAbility is a resource for farmers and ranchers with disabilities to be successful in production agriculture. | 