Michigan Politician Who Wanted Helmet Law Repealed Dies in Motorcycle Crash While Wearing Helmet

State Representative Peter Pettalia was killed in a motorcycle crash Monday night.

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The politician behind Michigan's controversial repeal of a mandatory helmet law was killed in a motorcycle crash Monday night. State Representative Peter Pettalia was killed when a pickup truck veered into his lane on the highway, the Detroit Newsreports. According to local police, Pettalia was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Police told reporters that Pettalia, 61, was on his motorcycle when the "truck driven by a 59-year-old woman from Fairview" turned directly into his lane. "His motorcycle struck the pickup truck broadside," police said in a statement Monday. "Pettalia was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash." The driver of the truck was not injured during the collision.

In a statement to reporters Monday, Gov. Rick Snyder announced that all flags would be lowered in tribute to Pettalia. "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," Snyder said. "Peter's wife, Karen, their children and grandchildren are in our thoughts and prayers especially as they deal with this tragedy."

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According to a regional study cited byMichigan Radio, the number of motorcycle fatalities in the state jumped by 23 percent between 2014 and 2015. Researchers argue that the repeal of the state's helmet law, of which Pettalia was the sponsor, "almost certainly" played a part in that increase.

Pettalia, who had lived in Presque Isle since 1977, was a third-term House member who also served as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Additionally, Pettalia and a business partner ran an auto repair shop for 3 successful decades. Rep. Julie Plawecki died of a heart attack in June during an Oregon hiking trip, making Pettalia the second Michigan lawmaker to die suddenly this year.

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