A new study released today by the Highway Loss Data Institute (an insurance industry funded study group), shows that Michigan has experienced a significant increase in motorcycle loss severity and cost since the repeal of its helmet law in April 2012. The study shows claim severity up 22% since repeal.
“Weakening the helmet law seems to have made it somewhat more likely that riders will sustain injuries, but the big impact has been on the seriousness of the injuries,” says David Zuby, chief research officer of HLDI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Helmets can’t protect against all injuries, but they do help prevent debilitating and often fatal head trauma.”
Will this new data make you change your mind about riding with or without a helmet?