A May 28, 2013 article on wpxi.com reported that deaths from motorcycle crashes have increased 35% since 2003. In July of 2003, then Governor Edward Rendell signed a law permitting ‘cyclists over 21 to ride without helmets. Motorcycle accidents in 2012 resulted in the death of 210 riders. 104 motorcycle riders died without wearing helmets, 100 wore helmets and information wasn’t available for the other 6 deaths.
As always, those that want to ride motorcycles without helmets claim the right to make individual choices. Left unspoken are rules society has adopted for the safety of individuals and society as a whole. Car seat belt use, booster seats for children, minimum ages for drinking, smoking and entering the military are everyday examples that impact all of our families. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that an average motorcycle death costs $1,200,000.00 when taking into consideration emergency medical services, lost wages and productivity.
Who pays for those financial losses? Not the rider! All too often it is you and me – the taxpayers, who pay for the medical bills and government social services payments to the survivors of the dead ‘cyclist. Attorney Thomas J. Newell is a strong supporter of legislation requiring all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. He can be reached at 1-800-980-4842 or thru his website of www.NewellLaw.com.
