Missouri House endorses bill making helmets optional for motorcyclists

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Motorcyclists who are at least 21 years old could ride without helmets under a House bill given initial approval Tuesday.

State law currently requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets.

Some lawmakers have tried for several years to repeal that law.

Federal traffic data show 390 people died in motorcycle accidents in Missouri from 2002 to 2006.

Supporters of making helmets optional say the helmet requirement intrudes on civil liberties.

Critics say repealing the helmet law will lead to more serious accidents and injuries and create more health care expenses for everyone.