Injuries soar after Michigan stops requiring motorcycle helmets

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20. The legislature passed it and Snyder signed it - Also, freedom

Jennifer Granholm had twice vetoed a similar law.

http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/midwest/2012/04/17/243752.htm

A decades-long fight to eliminate Michigan’s helmet law roared into the victory lane on April 13 when Gov. Rick Snyder announced he signed the repeal into law.

The repeal took effect immediately, making Michigan the 31st state to give adult riders a choice over whether they want to wear protective headgear, a move welcomed by supporters who say the change was long overdue after 46 years. They say the change will draw more motorcycle riders to Michigan and increase tourism revenue.

But insurance companies and safety advocates warned it will raise other motorists’ insurance premiums and lead to more motorcycle fatalities and injuries. A Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning analysis estimated that the law’s repeal will result in 30 additional fatalities, 127 more incapacitating injuries and $129 million in additional economic costs. . . .

Vince Consiglio, president of American Bikers Aiming Toward Education of Michigan, called the law a useless holdover from bygone days. “Helmet laws have done nothing to improve safety or reduce fatalities or the cost of insurance,” Consiglio said in a statement. “I want to extend our gratitude to all the legislative officials and Governor Rick Snyder, who courageously supported freedom in the face of an onslaught of baseless and emotional arguments perpetuated by our opponents.”