Push in Michigan to repeal helmet law

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://www.examiner.com/motorcycles-in-national/push-michigan-to-repeal-helmet-law Push in Michigan to repeal helmet law

June 9th, 2011 1:14 pm ET Ken Bingenheimer Motorcycles Examiner

From state to state, it happens all around the country every year: Laws are proposed to repeal motorcycle helmet laws or to create them. Michigan is one state where repeal legislation has passed previously but been vetoed by the governor. This year, with a new governor, the push is on again, with no one sure what will happen.
On Tuesday, the Michigan Senate Transportation Committee voted to send a repeal bill to the whole body. Four Republican senators voted for it, while one Democratic senator opposed it. Newly elected Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, has said he would favor a repeal provided that other motorists didn't end up assuming more costs as a result. Consequently, the bill as proposed would allow riders 21 years of age or older to ride helmetless only if they have had their motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or they have passed a motorcycle safety course.
A significant number of motorcycle fatalities involve riders who are not licensed for motorcycles, and studies have also demonstrated that riders who have taken safety courses are less likely to die in crashes.
Advertisement A companion bill in the House would require that the 21-year-old rider have $20,000 in medical coverage. The ultimate bill coming out of a conference committee could contain any or all of these stipulations.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) in Michigan has issued a statement strongly opposing the repeal. AAA Michigan says that $20,000 health coverage would not be nearly enough and argues that either bill would "result in more motorcycle fatalities and injuries and higher costs for all motorists."
Proponents of the repeal, such as Michigan ABATE, argue that the decision to wear a helmet should be a choice. Even many motorcyclists who would never ride without a helmet believe that it is not the place of government to be making such decisions, and that it should be a personal choice. Some also argue that a repeal would help Michigan's economy because riders avoid Michigan rather than wear helmets