Motorcycle crash kills ex-Georgia lawmaker who tried to eliminate helmet regulations

A former Georgia lawmaker who pushed to repeal helmet regulations died after his motorcycle was hit by another vehicle on Thursday, the Augusta Chronicle reported.

Investigators said 59-year-old Joey Brush Jr. was riding his Harley Davidson when a car pulled out in front of him and crashed into him. The other driver, identified as 49-year-old Kimberly Crouch, later turned herself in to authorities and is expected to face criminal charges. It is unclear whether Brush was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Brush, a Republican, served two terms in the state House between 1992 and 1996 before serving in the state Senate between 1997 and 2004. He was also a longtime member of the energy committee for the pro-conservative American Legislative Exchange Council.

Besides chairing the state Senate Education Committee, Brush focused his attention on eliminating the state requirement that motorcycle riders wear helmets. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Brush's political opponents accused him of devoting too much energy to that issue.

WRDW-TV reported that Brush was on his way to meet Gov. Nathan Deal regarding a separate bill which would allow riders to treat red lights like a stop signs if their motorcycles did not trigger pavement sensors. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Bill Jackson (R), awaits Deal's signature.

Watch WRDW's report on Brush's death below.

[h/t Crooks and Liars]