Health care groups band together against proposed helmet law changes

By Juliana Keeping AnnArbor.com Health & Environment Reporter

Posted on Thu, Sep 8, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.

Washtenaw County health care organizations are among those banding together against a new measure that would some allow individuals older than 21 choice when it comes to wearing a helmet on a motorcycle in Michigan.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Steve Parker

A letter co-signed by the University of Michigan Health System, St. Joseph Mercy Health System, the Washtenaw County Medical Society and other groups asks Gov. Rick Snyder to veto the legislation, should it reach his desk.

Currently, helmets are mandatory for all motorcyclists in the state.

Senate Bill 291 passed in June while the lawmakers still are considering House Bill 4608. The measures allow those older than 21 who meet certain criteria to pass when it comes to wearing a helmet.

In the joint letter, the organizations cite a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that says 50 lives in Michigan and $86 million are saved via the helmet law.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed helmet law repeal efforts in 2006 and 2008, according to a UMHS news release. Snyder has yet to take a stand on the issue, the release states.

What are your thoughts on the universal helmet law? Should it be weakened, repealed or left alone? Leave a comment below.

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