MICHIGAN:Legislators To Review Michigan Helmet Laws

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Legislators To Review Michigan Helmet Laws

Opponents Cite Concerns Over Helmet Safety

 SAGINAW, Mich. -- Freedom or safety -- two words that could make or break the motorcycle helmet law in Michigan.
Currently, the law says riders must wear an approved U.S Department of Transportation helmet when riding on public roads.
But two bills have been introduced in the state legislature to repeal the state's helmet law.
One bill would let riders 21 and older to ride without helmets if they carry at least $20,000 in personal liability insurance.
The other bill would let riders 20 and older bike helmet-free if they have passed a safety course or carried a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license the previous two years.
Opponents of the legislation who think helmets should be mandatory say that's the best way to boost safety, especially as biking becomes more popular thanks to higher gasoline prices.
Meanwhile, as the summer weather improves, more bikers are taking to the streets and autocross courses throughout Mid-Michigan. Authorities say an all-terrain motorcycle rider had died while practicing on a private motocross-style track in Tuscola County.
The Saginaw News reported that 40-year-old Teddy Gabryel of New Baltimore died Sunday after he crashed at the track in Arbela Township.
The Tuscola County sheriff's department says the crash happened when he lost control at a corner in a wooded area with narrow paths. An autopsy was planned.