MLive Findings Show Helmet Repeal as Deadly

There was great controversy leading up to the repeal of Michigan's Helmet Law.  Now that it has come, gone, and had time to settle, it is important to look at the affects that the repeal has had on Michigan motorcyclists over the past two months.  When it comes to safety, repealing the law did nothing to ensure Michigan's motorcyclists would be the safest they could be.

MLive Media Group has been conducting analysis since the repeal was put into place last April.  Though motorcycle accidents are dangerous regardless of whether or not the rider wears a helmet, MLive Media Group has come up with many findings that show that the repeal has done more to hurt than to help.   Below are some of their findings taken from Sunday June 24th's article in Ann Arbor.com titled "Helmet Repeal Proves Dangerous":

• 25% of the 129 helmetless riders in accidents suffered "incapacitating" injuries.  That compares to 16% for the 525 who wore helmets
• Of those who were killed, six were without helmets--or 4.7% of all helmetless riders in accidents.  By contrast, eight helmeted riders were killed, 1.5% of all those in accidents.
• As weather warmed, more helmets came off.  The first month after the repeal, 17% of motorcyclists were without helmets.  That rose to 22% in the second month.

AAA Spokeswoman Nancy Cain said that "the findings support what appears self-evident -- a helmet can in some cases protect riders, or lessen injuries."  Even though it is not against the law to not wear a helmet, it is safer to wear one when riding on a motorcycle.  Deciding not to wear a helmet greatly increases the risk of injury and death and riders should think twice when making their decision about whether or not they are going to put on a helmet today.

 

Teen Gets Prison Time for Texting-While-Driving Accident

For many of us, texting has become the new talking.  We find it difficult to step away from our phones for more than a few moments before coming back to see if someone has messaged us or to check the score of the Tigers game.  But there are times when this "new talking" should not take place.


On Wednesday June 6th, Aaron Deveau of Haverhill, Massachusetts was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison with 1 year to serve after he was found guilty of motor vehicle homicide and negligent operation while texting on his cell phone.


In the crash that took place in February of 2011, Deveau swerved into oncoming traffic and struck the vehicle of fifty-five year old Donald Bowley Jr., killing Bowley and seriously injuring his girlfriend Luz Rowan.  Bowley did not die on impact but passed away 18 days after the accident from injuries that he suffered from in the crash.


National Public Radio (NPR) reported that Deveau "was among the first people convicted under a law that took effect in September 2010 that created the criminal charge of texting while driving negligently and causing injury."  Back in September, Massachusetts was the 30th state to make a law banning texting while driving.


The sentence of Deveau sends a message not only to him but to all teens and adults using phones while driving.  Even if it isn't illegal in your state, you should not use your phone while operating a vehicle.  Of course, "it won't happen to you," you're only going to quickly read the text that you're friend just sent you about the movie tonight, but just like Deveau, sometimes it's out of your hands and things go wrong.