A motorcycle at Rosenau Powersports in Dearborn Heights. A law requiring riders to wear helmets was repealed last April. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -
Michigan State Police released the numbers recently. 55 motorcycle operators that died in 2012 were not wearing helmets compared to only five in 2011. Back in April of last year, the helmet law was repealed allowing riders the choice.
"It scares me every time I see it," said Steve Patterson with Rosenau Powersports. "It looks so sweet and comfy, and it just looks free and happy, but when I see it, I'm just like oh my god."
The numbers here tell the story and are pretty staggering, but regardless of the math, plenty of riders still choose to go without a helmet.
"I think that the riders that do ride without a helmet, I think they know that, but I think that's a part of maybe the thrill of riding is everything is on the edge and on the limit," Patterson remarked. "I think they're just gambling and taking that chance, and a lot of riders don't take the chance, but [I saw] quite a few of them last year that were riding with no helmet."
At Fox 2, there are a good number of employees that ride motorcycles, all of whom wear helmets except for one.
"Apparently I've got a death wish," said Charlie LeDuff.
"What's the thrill of riding a motorcycle without the helmet?" I asked him.
"Breeze in your hair, man, freedom, smelling the wind, hearing it," he replied.
"Is the smell of that wind and the breeze in that hair worth risking your life for?" I further asked.
"When a person goes out on a motorcycle, they don't plan to lay it down at 70, and I think if you do, you're probably not going to walk away anyway. That's the thinking," LeDuff said.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:11 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:11:24 GMT
16-year-old Destiny Henderson, a student at Inkster High School, died Monday in a horrific traffic accident. Her car stopped at a light was hit from behind by a bus.
16-year-old Destiny Henderson, a student at Inkster High School, died Monday in a horrific traffic accident. Her car stopped at a light was hit from behind by a bus.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:01:58 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:48:16 GMT
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:31 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:31:20 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:50 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:50:04 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:43 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:43:15 GMT
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 series lead.
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 series lead.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:35 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:35:00 GMT
Police say a 55-year-old woman is dead and two men are wounded following a shooting at a vacant Detroit residence believed to have been used for drug activity.
Police say a 55-year-old woman is dead and two men are wounded following a shooting at a vacant Detroit residence believed to have been used for drug activity.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:23:29 GMT
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
A motorcycle at Rosenau Powersports in Dearborn Heights. A law requiring riders to wear helmets was repealed last April. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
