OFF THE WIRE
http://www.freep.com/article/20100701/OPINION02/7010332/1070/Opinion02/YES-States-without-helmet-laws-benefit-from-tourism- YES: States without helmet laws benefit from tourism BY JIM RHOADES
A recent article reported that the two Democratic gubernatorial candidates agreed on one thing: Michigan's outdated helmet law for motorcyclists must go.
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Our state's economy is based on tourism, and this law discourages out-of-state riders from traveling to this great state.
Our outdated helmet law is a barrier to motorcycle tourism. At the same time, the current law does nothing to reduce motorcycle injuries and fatalities. Michigan is the only Great Lakes state with a mandatory helmet law. Surveys repeatedly show that an overwhelming majority of motorcyclists in neighboring states refuse to visit Michigan because of this law.
According to a study done by Michigan Consultants in Lansing, Michigan is losing millions of tourism dollars and approximately $1.2 billion in overall economic benefit because of this law.
For example, Harley Davidson's 105th anniversary in 2008 brought more than $135 million to Wisconsin's economy during the four-day event. After Florida modified its helmet law, the state took in more than $100 million in additional revenue -- just from new motorcycle registrations. Florida also had an increase of 110% in motorcycle registrations with a significant reduction in motorcycle fatalities.
Michigan could use a boost to its economy, too. There are no major motorcycle events in Michigan.
There is, however, a "Bike Week" in Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, North Dakota and New Hampshire, as well as other events that Michigan is losing out on.
Fact is, the 30 states allowing adult choice on motorcycle helmets enjoy lower fatality rates. Head injuries are not higher in helmet choice states. No state has increased its insurance rates after modifying its helmet law, and no state has lowered insurance rates with the implementation of a helmet law. Add to this the economic benefit, and the helmet law should go.
According to the Fatal Accident Reporting System, sometimes cited by opponents of freedom of choice, "there is no significant difference in fatality rates between states requiring or not requiring helmet usage." In committee hearings, opponents were asked if insurance rates would increase if we modify this law. Their response was that insurance rates would not increase.
Modifying Michigan's helmet law does not prevent anyone from wearing a helmet.
We believe the key to motorcycle safety, accident reduction and injury prevention lies in rider education and car driver awareness programs. Helmet laws do not make a safer rider, nor do they prevent accidents.
