An insurance trade group is urging Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to veto a bill that would repeal the state law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets.
Under Senate Bill 297, approved by the Michigan legislature, motorcycle riders over age 21 will not be obligated to wear a helmet. Younger riders would still be required to have that protection in place.
American Insurance Association, which is pushing for a veto, noted estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that helmets saved 1,326 lives in 2004 and that another 671 people still might be alive had they worn helmets.
"People that ride motorcycles without a helmet are at a significantly greater risk for serious injury and death…Gov. Granholm should veto this attempt to repeal this life-saving law," said David Snyder, AIA vice president and assistant general counsel.
Additionally, according to NHTSA figures cited by AIA, motorcycles make up less than 2 percent of all registered vehicles and only 0.4 percent of all vehicle miles traveled, but motorcyclists still account for over 9 percent of total traffic fatalities.
Fatalities among motorcycle riders have increased by more than 89 percent since 1997. Mr. Snyder said he fears that repeal of the helmet law will result in more serious injuries, more claims and added health care costs.
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