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Federal officials and insurance groups against helmet law repeal

The state Senate could vote on the helmet law repeal next week.
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The state Senate could vote on the helmet law repeal next week.

Federal officials are trying to talk Michigan political leaders out of repealing the state's motorcycle helmet law. Members of the National Transportation Safety Board are in Lansing today to meet with Governor Snyder's administration.

Insurance groups are also getting involved. Laurie Conarton is with the Insurance Institute of Michigan. She says more people will be injured or die if the law is repealed:

"After Florida repealed their helmet law, there were 81% more fatalities and 80% more closed head injuries."

Conarton says repealing the law will also increase everyone's insurance costs in the state.

"It's not personal responsibility when it impacts my pocket book."

The state Senate could vote on the repeal next week. It would also have to be approved by the state House.

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.
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