A bill that would repeal the state’s motorcycle helmet law was approved by Nebraska lawmakers on Wednesday on a 41-0 vote. The bill will allow anyone over age 21 to ride without a helmet once they complete a safety course.
They’ll also have to wear protective eye equipment. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk and if Jim Pillen signs it, motorcyclists over the age of 21 will be able to ride without a helmet beginning January 1, 2024.
AAA Nebraska has joined statewide organizations that voiced strong opposition to the bill. Spokesman Brian Ortner says they are concerned about the potential for an increase in the number of deaths and traumatic injuries on the state’s roadways.
“When this goes into effect, unfortunately we’re probably going to see some tragic data, some tragic numbers that will impact this.” Ortner says Missouri remove it’s helmet law in 2020. “Preliminary data over the last three years shows an increase in un-helmeted rider fatalities. An increase of nearly 800% compared to the same time frame before the helmet law repeal.”
Ortner says according to a recent survey conducted by AAA 81% of Nebraskans support maintaining the state’s current law.