Lawmaker who opposed mandatory helmet law dies in motorcycle crash while wearing a helmet

(WLNS-TV)

A lawmaker from Michigan, who infamously opposed the state’s mandatory helmet law, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Monday night—while wearing his helmet.

Authorities say that State Representative Peter Pettalia, 66, was riding his motorcycle on the M-33 highly in northern Michigan’s Montmorency County when a pickup truck swerved into his lane, Michigan Radio reports.

Mr Pettalia, who was serving his third and final term in the House, sponsored a controversial 2012 law that repealed the mandatory helmet requirement for motorcyclists in his state.

After the law was passed, a study by the American Journal of Surgery found that motorcycle fatalities in the state jumped by 23 % between 2014 and 2015. Researchers said that the law played a significant role in the uptick.

Governor Rick Snyder said that he was heartbroken to hear of Mr Pettalia's death.

“Sue and I were heartbroken to hear of the death of Representative Pettalia and send condolences on behalf of the entire state to his family, colleagues, and friends. Peter’s wife, Karen, their children and grandchildren are in our thoughts and prayers especially as they deal with this tragedy," Mr Snyder said in a statement.

“Peter had a long career committed to helping the people he represented and served, whether as a volunteer firefighter, a township supervisor, or a state representative. He will be missed by many people here in Lansing as well as in his long-time home of Presque Isle and throughout his district.”