Omaha, Neb. WOWT — Mark Howie, a seasoned motorcyclist and riding instructor at Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson in Northwest Omaha, has been riding since the early 1970s. He emphasizes that riding a motorcycle involves more risk than driving a car.
Riding a motorcycle means accepting more road risks, Howie said. He advises that wearing a helmet is crucial for protecting against serious injuries or death in case of an accident.
According to NDOT, motorcycle fatalities have increased by 32% compared to the average of the past five years. Of the 17 motorcyclists who died this year, only 12 were wearing helmets.
William Kovarik, NDOT’s highway safety administrator, notes that helmet use among fatalities has dropped from 90% to about 65% this year. A new state law allows riders to forgo helmets under certain conditions, provided they have completed a safety training course.
Overall traffic fatalities in Nebraska are up 8% over the last five years, with pedestrian deaths increasing by 27%. Kovarik urges the community to improve safety by riding responsibly and always wearing a helmet, which he considers the most important safety feature.
Howie concurs, noting that the perceived freedom of motorcycle riding can be deceptive.
For those seeking helmet exemptions, bikers with a class M license or endorsement obtained before May 1, 2024, can complete an online safety course. Riders licensed after that date must take an in-person basic safety course.
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