OFF THE WIRE
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?list=~%5Chome%5Clists%5Csearch&id=645600
What's the future of Michigan's helmet law? by Aaron Martin
Aaron Martin Iron Mountain Bureau Reporter
ESCANABA, IRON MOUNTAIN -- For the last 17 years Gerry Spomer has been part of the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education group, better known as ABATE, fighting to repeal Michigan's helmet law.
The law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet.
"People think that they have the superior intelligence or intellect or something to make safety decisions for me,” Spomer said. “I know what my riding capabilities are and I think I should be able to decide what kind of safety equipment that I need."
Michigan is one of 20 states that require riders to wear a helmet.
ABATE argues that the number of riders could increase by more than 30 percent and tourism would rise if the law is repealed.
But at the core of this debate is a fundamental difference. Is Michigan's helmet law an issue of freedom or safety?
Richard Henrion is a member of the Skilled Motorcyclist Association-Responsible, Trained, and Educated Riders, better known as SMARTER, which supports wearing all the equipment all the time.
"We still stand on the fact that it is a safety issue not a rights issue. Its part of the total safety package offered to the citizens of Michigan,” Henrion said. “You could use the same argument and just insert the words seat belts [instead of helmets]."
AAA Michigan expects insurance rates and deaths will go up if the repeal is passed.
But state senator Tom Casperson questions if that will happen.
"There's plenty of data out there to indicate other states that have repealed the helmet law have been ok,” Casperson said. “We haven't seen the doom and gloom that we hear."
The repeal has passed the state senate but must be approved by the state house of representatives and Governor Rick Snyder before becoming law.
