Michigan lawmaker Peter Pettalia, advocate for repealing helmet law, dies in motorcycle crash

ATLANTA, Mich., Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Michigan state Rep. Peter Pettalia, a well-known advocate for repealing the state's helmet law, died in a motorcycle crash. He was wearing a helmet.

Pettalia, 61, hit a truck about 5:30 p.m. near Atlanta, Michigan, located about 200 miles north of Lansing. The woman driving the truck was not injured.

Pettalia was the chief sponsor of a 2012 bill to allow motorcyclists over age 21 to ride without helmets. While that bill did not pass, a similar bill passed later. Pettalia, a Republican, was among the supporters.

"Pete was a dear friend and long-time colleague who was well-known for his expertise, his hard work, and his love for the great outdoors," House Speaker Kevin Cotter said. "His fellow Republicans elected him last year into a leadership position in our caucus, and everyone from both parties looked up to him as a senior member of the state House."

Pettalia was elected to the state legislature in 2010, after serving as a town supervisor. He chaired the state House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.