Sec. 624.

(1) A report required by this chapter shall not be available for use in a court action, but a report shall be for the purpose of furnishing statistical information regarding the number and cause of accidents.

(2) The office of highway safety planning may authorize scientific studies and research for the reduction of death, injury, and property losses. All information, records of interviews, written reports, statements, notes, memoranda, or other data collected pursuant to the scientific studies and research conducted by the state, or by other persons, agencies, or organizations authorized by the office of highway safety planning shall be used solely for the purpose of medical or scientific research and shall not disclose the name or identity of a person unless the person authorizes, in writing, the use of his or her name or identity. If a subject of the research study is deceased, the executor or heir of the deceased person may authorize, in writing, the disclosure of the deceased's name or identity. The furnishing of information to the office of highway safety planning or to a representative of an authorized study or research project shall not subject a person, hospital, sanitarium, rest home, nursing home, or other person or agency furnishing the information to any action for damages or other relief. The information, records, reports, statements, notes, memoranda, or other data shall not be admissible as evidence in a court or before any other tribunal, board, agency, or person. A person participating in an authorized study or research project shall not disclose, directly or indirectly, the information so obtained except in strict conformity with the research project.

(3) A person who discloses information in violation of subsection (2) is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than $50.00.

History: 1949, Act 300, Eff. Sept. 23, 1949 ;-- Am. 1980, Act 26, Imd. Eff. Mar. 7, 1980