Groups call for mandatory helmet law, citing rise in injuries

Lawmaker who led last year's repeal dismisses their claims

Lansing — Insurers and medical groups urged Gov. Rick Snyder and the Legislature to reinstate Michigan's motorcycle helmet requirement Wednesday, citing a University of Michigan study showing it would have prevented 26 deaths and 49 injuries last year.

The study by researcher Carol Flannigan of U-M's Transportation Research Institute analyzed crash data from 2012, the first year Michigan cyclists were allowed to ride without protective helmets under legislation signed by Snyder on April 13. Michigan joined 30 other states that make helmets optional for motorcycle riders.

"The experiment is over in Michigan," said AAA Michigan representative Heather Drake. "Helmets save lives."

By Gary Heinlein and Chad Livengood
From The Detroit News

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