MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Wayne State Transportation Research Group conducted a statewide survey throughout the summer which showed that only three-quarters of motorcycle riders continued to wear helmets after Michigan's mandatory helmet law had been modified in the spring of 2012.

This was a huge drop since the last survey that was conducted in 2006, which proved to show 99.4% of riders wore a helmet.

To legally operate a motorcycle without a helmet, the driver must be at least 21 years old, have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits, and have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or passed an approved motorcycle safety course.

Helmet use was found highest amongst those riding sports bikes at 94.5%, while choppers and custom bikes were only at 33.3%.

Additionally, 70% of riders 60+ were more likely to wear a helmet while those between the ages of 30-59 were at 50.8%.

While wearing a helmet is not required by law, riders are strongly encouraged to always wear safety gear and be seen by wearing high-visibility clothing.