Riding your motorcycle without a helmet can be a freeing experience; however, responsible motorcyclists should also be aware of the potential dangers. At Hakim Law, our motorcycle accident attorneys strive to provide relevant information to our clients so that they can make informed decisions.
In 2012, Governor Rick Snyder repealed a law . Now you can opt to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in the state of Michigan.
How do I qualify?
In order to qualify for this you must be 21 or older and have been endorsed for your motorcycle on your operator’s or chauffeur’s license for the past two years. If you have recently been endorsed to ride your motorcycle, you may pass a as an alternative.
If you choose to not wear a motorcycle helmet, you should also be aware that your medical insurance company will require you to carry a policy with a minimum of $20,000.
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Why did the Michigan governor sign this bill?
Some say that Snyder’s decision was motivated by his desire to improve Michigan tourism. Due to our past legislature for motorcyclists, it is true that some tourists have opted for states with less restrictive traffic laws. At the time, we were the 31st state to legally make .
Snyder also said that he valued a person’s decision to make their own choices. In a statement, Snyder said, “While many motorcyclists will continue to wear helmets, those who choose not to deserve the latitude to make their own informed judgments.”
Is not wearing a helmet the right choice for me?
Ultimately, the decision to wear a motorcycle helmet is up to you.
The benefit to not wearing a motorcycle helmet is that it creates a less restrictive riding experience. However, there are a few medical concerns that you should seriously consider before deciding what’s right for you.
A 2009 report from the showed that motorcyclists who do not use helmets are three times more likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury in a crash than those who choose to wear helmets.
The analyzed the same data and ruled that wearing a motorcycle helmet could be good for your finances. “Economic costs saved from helmet use by society in states with a universal helmet law were, on average, $725 per registered motorcycle, nearly four times greater than in states without such a law ($198).”
Whatever your choice, if you or a loved one becomes seriously injured as the result of a motorcycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact us online here or by calling us toll free at (855) 558-8250 for a free consultation from one of our personal injury attorneys.
