More riders throwing away their helmets
Fewer motorcycle riders in Michigan are wearing helmets now that it’s not mandatory, reports the Times Colonist newspaper.
A university study conducted recently found that helmet use is down from nearly 100 percent to about 73 percent. The state changed its helmet law in 2012.
The researchers from Wayne State University’s Transportation Research Group said riders of custom bikes were least likely to wear a helmet, and riders of sportbikes were most likely to wear one. Females, and riders younger than 30 and older than 60 years were more likely to wear helmets.
The law in Michigan allows riders 21 years old to go helmetless under certain conditions. They must carry an extra $20,000 worth of health insurance, for example.
The study’s authors said an increase in fatal motorcycle crashes has occurred following the change in law.
