Michigan makes helmets optional for some motorcycle riders
Legislation passed by Michigan lawmakers recently gave motorcycle riders in the state the option to forgo wearing a helmet if certain requirements are met. Currently 30 other states allow motorcyclists the right to choose whether or not they wear an approved safety helmet while operating their motorcycles. Under Michigan’s new safety regulations, motorcyclists with at least two years of riding experience who have passed a special safety course and are at least 21 years of age decide whether or not they want to wear a safety helmet while riding their motorcycles, provided the rider carries at least $20,000 of additional medical insurance.
The new law was passed with support from both Republican and Democratic representatives in the Michigan state legislature. A motorcyclist advocacy group called the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education issued a statement supporting the new legislation, citing statistics suggesting that helmet laws do not actually increase the safety of motorcyclists, nor do they lower the auto insurance premiums for motorists in states enforcing such laws.
The state of Michigan originally instated a mandatory motorcycle helmet law in the 1970s when federal highway regulations demanded states seeking federal highway funding require motorcyclists to wear helmets at all times. This federal legislation is no longer in effect.
As a personal injury attorney Burlingame, I hope motorcyclists and motorists take all the necessary steps required to ensure safety on our roadways. If you or someone you care for has been injured in a motorcycle or automobile collision, please consider discussing your case with a car accident lawyer in Burlingame.
