Marion Motorcycle Accident Victim Advocates Helmet Use

Greg Francisco hit a deer on his motorcycle Sept. 23.

Despite his helmet preventing any serious head injury, he's still recovering at his girlfriend's house in Marion.

Now, he's apparently spending his time advocating for mandatory helmet laws in Iowa after 51 motorcyclists were killed in accidents, 40 of which did not wear helmets, according to the Gazette.

"I don’t really understand the concept of how we can have a seat belt law and not a helmet law," Francisco said to the Gazette. "I’ve never thought about riding a bike without a helmet."

Iowa is one of three states that does not have mandatory helmet laws. University of Iowa Associate Professor of Political Science Tim Hagle said this is because there's likely a very vocal political group of motorcycle riders against 

Marion Patch has covered five motorcycle accidents in Marion and Linn County this year, including the death of Marion Public Service mechanic Matthew Dunkel, who was not wearing a helmet.