Friday, March 15, 2013

Thoughts On Michigan's Helmet Laws

English: This CT scan is an example of Subdura...

There's been a lot of different voices speaking up in the debate over Michigan's repeal of helmet requirements for riders. The potential risk for substantially worse injuries is most certainly there, but what do the numbers look like in terms of costs to taxpayers?

While this article shows that thus far the number of fatalities have dropped 4.5%, while this one rightly points out that we'll likely see 30 more deaths per year and an increase in costs for severe brain trauma injuries. Unfortunately, the cost to the taxpayer hasn't really been hashed out yet. So while there was an decrease in fatalities (especially surprising since there was a surge in motorcycle registrations) the truth is there were 14 percent more incapacitating injuries reported. Where do these costs land? What's your take on this new law?