Will fatality rates (fatalities per 100 accidents) increase if we modify Michigans helmet law for Adult Choice?
A.) Anti-repeal advocates claim that there is a 25-40% increase in fatality rates when a state repeals their helmet law. If that were the case than fatality rates should be 25-40% lower in states that maintain their law. According to NHTSA, fatality rates over the last 25 years have been virtually the same for freedom of choice states versus mandatory helmet law states. Motorcycle fatalities overall have DECLINED by almost 60% since 1985. Take in to account that 30 states had opted for adult choice. This serves to reinforce the fact that mandatory helmet laws have done nothing to reduce accidents or produce a safer motorcycle rider.
