Georgia politician who campaigned against motorcycle helmets dies in motorcycle crash
Joey Brush Jr. spent 12 years in Georgia government
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Georgia politician who was well known for his efforts to repeal a state law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets died this week in a motorcycle accident.
Ben Joseph "Joey" Brush Jr. was killed on Thursday morning when a car pulled out in front of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, according to the Augusta Chronicle.
The driver of the other car, Kimberly Crouch, allegedly stopped at a stop sign and didn’t see the motorcycle when she tried to drive through the intersection. Ms Crouch has been charged in the accident.
Mr Brush served four years in the Georgia House of Representatives and eight years in the state Senate, according to reports. He lost his Senate seat in 2004, though politicians remember him fondly.
“Our state lost a noble Georgian today. Senator Joey Brush was not only a fierce advocate for conservative values in the Georgia legislature but was also a great friend,” Lt. Governor Casey Cagle told the Chronicle. “He will be deeply missed and his legacy will not be forgotten.”
Mr Brush was active in lobbying for motorcyclists while he was in state government. Two of the bills he is most remembered for are the one seeking to repeal the helmet requirement and one that would allow motorcyclists to treat red lights as stop signs if the bike was not heavy enough to activate the sensor to change the light.
He was never able to get enough support for the no-helmet law and helmets still are required in Georgia, but state government passed the law about red lights and the bill is awaiting the governor’s signature.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments