In 2012, Governor Snyder
signed the motorcycle helmet repeal making it optional for motorcyclists to use
helmets, but after many motorcycle-related deaths, there’s now a senate bill
that proposes Michigan law to require motorcycle helmets again.
Senate Bill 527 provides for
a requirement for motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, as well as moped riders
who are 19 and under. The current helmet law states that riders 21 and older
may ride without a helmet if they’ve passed a safety course or have at least
two years of riding experience. They’re also required to carry $20,000 in
medical insurance. The law previous to this required all riders to wear a
helmet, however.
This new bill hopes to save
lives, as it’s incredibly important for all motorcyclists to use a helmet.
Riding a motorcycle is much more dangerous than driving a vehicle because it
provides the person no protection. The least one can do is wear a helmet. It
can not only save one’s life, but also hopefully prevent traumatic brain
injury. Here are some statistics that show how much of a difference a helmet
makes:
-
Roughly
one-fourth of motorcyclists in Michican currently ride without a helmet. But
helmetless riders accounted for nearly one-half of motorcycle fatalities in
2013.
-
Reduced helmet
use accounts for approximately 24 more deaths and 71 more serious injuries in a
year in Michigan.
-
Non-helmet
motorcyclists die more frequently on the scene, spend more time in the
intensive care unit, require longer ventilator support, and have higher medical
costs.
Just as in many states it is
the law for vehicle drivers to wear their seatbelts, making helmets mandatory
is equally as important. If you drive a motorcycle or know someone who does,
always use and encourage helmet use. It could make all the difference in an
accident and save your life.
If
you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor,
Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield,
Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City
Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys
know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your
feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the
compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow
Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join
the conversation by using #MCAA.
