A US politician who voted to overturn universal helmet laws has died in a motorcycle crash.
Michigan state lawmaker Peter Pettalia was killed in a collision with a pick-up truck which turned left into his lane on a motorway on Monday. He was wearing head protection at the time.
Republican Mr Pettalia, a well-known advocate for motorcyclists’ rights, was instrumental in repealing universal helmet laws in Michigan in 2012.
He successfully voted to overturn the legal requirement for all motorcycle riders over the age of 20 to wear helmets.
Michigan is now one of 28 states where motorcyclists do not have to wear helmets.
Mr Pettalia chaired the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and was vice chair of the Financial Services Committee.
House Speaker Kevin Cotter said of his death: “Pete was a dear friend and longtime colleague who was well-known for his expertise, his hard work, and his love for the great outdoors.
“His fellow Republican representatives elected him last year into a leadership position in our caucus, and everyone from both parties looked to him as a senior member of the state house.”
