INSURERS HAPPY CALIF. MOTORCYLE HELMET LAW NOT WEAKENED

Earlier this month, legislation was introduced by Sen. Denise Ducheny, D-San Diego, to permit motorcyclists 18 years and older to ride without helmets if they could show proof of having medical insurance. The bill was considered Tuesday, Jan. 10, by the Senate Transportation and Health Committee, and rejected.

The Association of California Insurance Companies (ACIC) opposed the legislation, saying the law change would increase the number of injuries and deaths resulting from motorcycle accidents.

“Medical insurance will not save lives,” said ACIC President Sam Sorich. “Weakening the law would have resulted in a great many more injuries, and perhaps death. We think the committee that rejected the bill did the right thing, as we are pleased with the result.”

He noted that helmet laws that apply only to young or inexperienced drivers are not effective in reducing death rates.