An Oct. 1, 2010 article printed in The Morning Call details the fact that in 2009, Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents claimed the lives of 204 bikers.  According to the Pennsylvania Dept.  of Transportation, motorcycle riders are 35 times more likely to die in an accident than occupants of cars.

Your PA motorcycle accident lawyer is a big supporter of riders wearing helmets.  PennDOT statistics show that in 1998 there were 111 PA motorcycle deaths with 19 of those bikers being helmetless riders.  Since the 2003 repeal of the mandatory helmet law, Pennsylvania has seen a dramatic increase in motorcycle accident deaths.

In the 11 years between 1998 and 2009 there was an 84% increase in PA ‘cyclist deaths.  In 2008, 114 helmetless bikers died in Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents.  That is a 600% increase compared to the 1998 helmetless death count!  Conversely, during the last 10 years there has only been a 29 percent increase in the number of licensed PA motorcyclists.

The National Transportation Safety Board, Governors Highway Safety Association and PennDOT all advocate the use of helmets by bikers.  As a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorney, I am also aware of motorcycle safety studies which show that speeding is often a problem with younger riders.  Accidents involving older bikers too often have alcohol consumption as a contributing factor.

Education of drivers to respect the rights of motorcyclists and to avoid driving while distracted is also critical to help reduce fatal motorcycle accidents.  If you have been seriously injured in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident, please telephone me, Attorney Thomas Newell at 800-980-4842.  I provide a free home consultation.  Please also visit my website @ www.NewellLaw.com.