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Update on repeal of Michigan's Helmet Law

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6/9/2011 6:45:34 PM
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Update on repeal of Michigan's Helmet Law

 

 

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/politics/local_politics/motorcycle-helmet-law-repeal%3A-snyder-a-question-mark-20110608-wpms

Motorcycle Helmet Law Repeal: Snyder a Question Mark

 

Updated: Wednesday, 08 Jun 2011, 7:11 PM EDT Published : Wednesday, 08 Jun 2011, 6:57 AM EDT

By TIM SKUBICK WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com

LANSING, Mich. (WJBK) - Several hundred bikers were on the state capitol lawn Wednesday urging lawmakers and the governor to repeal the mandatory motorcycle helmet law. It appears the House and Senate will do it, but support from Governor Rick Snyder remains a big question mark.

"Would you let your kids on a motorcycle without a helmet?" FOX 2's Tim Skubick asked Snyder.

"Sue won't let me on a motorcycle, let alone let my kids on a motorcycle," he replied.

Since 1976, these bikers have trekked to the state capitol with their helmets on trying to repeal the helmet law and victory is in sight except for the governor.

The previous governor threatened to veto the bill. The current governor is still sifting all the data and refused to be pinned down on what he would do.

"Can we push you in which way you're leaning?" Skubick asked Snyder.

"You can push all you'd like, Tim, but as a practical matter I'm still analyzing the question," he responded.

ABATE president Vince Consigilo, a rally organizer, argued when the governor looks at the data from other states, he will find that "Pennsylvania, the death rate has remained relatively the same yet the registrations have gone up 65-percent."

He also contended there's a $1.2-million boost to the economy if the helmets come off, but at what cost to the state and insurance rates? Senator John Moolenaar is a no vote.

"I think it's a safety issue. I think there is also a cost to the state and also a cost to insurance payers," he said.

"A lot of times I prefer to have it. You get a rock in the head, it hurts, but I don't think the government should have the right to tell us that we have to," said Christopher Rose from Macomb County.

Part of the concern for the insurance industry is if these folks can get a repeal of the helmet law, perhaps there would be a group to convince lawmakers to get rid of Michigan's mandatory seat belt law. The insurance people would not like that.