The repeal of Michigan’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law has led to a spike in motorcycle fatalities, according to University of Michigan data.
In 2012, 26 additional fatalities were directly linked to riders that did not have on a helmet. Additionally, a helmet would have led to a reduction of 49 serious injuries or an 8 percent drop.
From 2011 to 2012 motorcycle crashes went up 18 percent, according to Michigan’s traffic crash data from 2012. These numbers did not reflect how many Michigan motorcyclists are actually riding around without a helmet on. Just the ones that got in an accident without one.
Michigan’s helmet law choice kicked in last April and allows riders over 21 with two or more years of experience riding and carries additional motorcycle rider insurance including medical.
