Revealing Helmet Use in Michigan’s Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

I was in my forties when I first started riding a motorcycle. After my first ride, I cursed myself through smiling, bug-filled teeth for not having done it sooner. Nothing compares to the hyper-aware state riding a motorcycle places you in. You're exposed to the elements and everything mother nature can throw at you. Just a moment of daydreaming can result in the unthinkable. This vigilant state doesn't allow your mind to wander to the day's events or any other care or worry. It's just you, your bike, and the next turn.

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It's this feeling that brings some Michigan motorcyclists to the conclusion that, since the state doesn't require helmet use for anyone 21 or older, they will further connect themselves with their environment by not wearing one. I get it. I've done it, and I more than likely will do it again. Is that right? Is it smart? Probably not, but it's my choice.

Helmet Use in Michigan's Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Between 2018 and 2022

A Florida-based law firm, Anidjar & Levine, released new research examining motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents and whether or not they were wearing helmets. Looking at a five-year period, 2018 - 2022, there were 28,707 fatal motorcycle accidents throughout the United States. Of those, 17,077 were wearing helmets, 10,630 were not, and for 1,000, it was unknown if a helmet was used.

Michigan motorcyclists accounted for 818 of those fatal crashes, with 373 riders wearing helmets, 373 without, and 72 undermined; 45.69% of the lives lost were not wearing helmets. Keep scrolling to see each of the 50 states' helmet laws and a further breakdown of helmet use in fatal accidents.