[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING MICHIGAN HELMET CHOICE LAW

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM WALBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the recent 
passage and signing into law of a helmet choice law in my home State of 
Michigan.
  Last month, Governor Rick Snyder signed into law Senate Bill 291, 
which modernizes Michigan's outdated mandatory helmet law and allows 
adult choice for motorcycle riders like myself. The new law allows 
riders to exercise their personal liberty in choosing whether to wear a 
helmet or not, while at the same time including smart safeguards to 
ensure riders are equipped with the proper skills and protections to 
safely travel on Michigan roads.
  Michigan now joins the 30 other States with helmet choice laws, and 
this law will undoubtedly encourage cross-country riders to visit our 
beautiful State and support our strong tourism industry.
  While riders are certainly free to choose whether they will ride with 
a helmet or not, driver awareness cannot be optional. Too many riders 
are injured or killed each year due to reckless driving and the only 
way to ensure the safety of motorcycle riders and car drivers is 
increased awareness on the roadways. Along with increased motorcycle 
rider education, it is my hope that the debate over this commonsense 
law will encourage all drivers to pay closer attention behind the 
wheel.
  Again, I am grateful to Governor Snyder and the Michigan legislature 
on advancing personal liberty in Michigan through the passage of Senate 
Bill 291, and I look forward to taking my Harley out soon.

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