Secretary of Transportation Calls for Motorcycle Helmet Use

By Jennifer Griffith

Published on February 20, 2007

Secretary Mary Peters was injured in a 2005 motorcycle accident while riding with her husband from Tucson to Phoenix. Her Harley-Davidson hit the front wheel of her husband’s bike, causing her to fall and break her collarbone.

Peters showed the Motorcycle Industry Council the scuffed helmet she was wearing on the day of the accident and noted that without it, her injuries would have been much worse.

According to Peters, motorcycle accidents result in more than 4,500 fatalities each year, 700 of which could be avoided with the use of a helmet.

But helmet use is decreasing.

Peters also asked the council to offer free or discounted safety training to riders.

While he supports Peters’ opinion, Motorcycle Council President Tim Buche noted that he believes personal choice—not cost—is the reason riders don’t buy helmets.

Peters offered no financial assistance from the government to facilitate her requests.

Her daughter and son-in-law are also motorcycle riders.

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