A lawmaker devoted to repealing universal helmet laws has died in a motorcycle crash. According to Michigan State Police, the state lawmaker died early this week in a fatal crash. Authorities say the man was struck and killed when a pickup truck turned left into his southbound lane on M-33 in northern Michigan on Monday. The truck broadsided the 61-year-old’s motorcycle, and he died from his injuries sustained in the crash. The 59-year-old female driver of the pickup truck was unharmed.
The Michigan lawmaker was said to be an advocate for motorcyclists' rights. He was elected in 2010 and served the state's District 106 until present. During his office, he voted to repeal universal helmet laws for all motorcycle riders over the age of 20. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Michigan is among 28 other states that do not have laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets.
The House Speaker is calling his death a shock to all. The lawmaker was known for his expertise and hard work. The victim was a former vice chair of the Financial Services Committee and chaired the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He leaves behind a wife and two grown children.
Michigan State Police say the motorcycle victim was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
American motorcyclists have the right to share the roadways. Too often riders are unseen and distracted motorist cause severe and even fatal accidents. If you are a victim in a motorcycle crash, contact a motorcycle accident attorney at Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC.