MICH. AGENTS URGE ‘NO’ VOTE ON HELMET REPEAL:

The Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) said that any attempt to weaken or repeal the state’s motorcycle helmet law will increase deaths and injuries for cyclists and raise insurance and medical costs. The House of Representatives is considering legislation (HB 4325) to repeal the mandatory helmet law for cyclists over 21. Because Michigan is the only state to pay unlimited medical and rehabilitation benefits under its no-fault insurance law, the cost of treating severely injured cyclists can total into the millions, according to MAIA spokesman Gary Mitchell. Each severe head injury survivor requires between $4.1 million and $9 million in care over a lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The average claim paid on a motorcycle accident by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) exceeds $377,000. Mitchell said that if an individual chooses not to wear a helmet, it can negatively affect insurance and medical costs for everyone.