Seemingly every week we read about motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania causing riders’ deaths. The June 27, 2010 motorcycle-car accident which took the lives of 5 motorcycle riders in Lancaster received much publicity. What steps are being taken by governmental officials and concerned citizens to stem the tide of this epidemic of ‘cycle fatal crashes? Your Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorney has reviewed articles which address this issue.
Information on Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Programs can be found at www.pamsp.com. There are free courses designed for both novice and experienced riders. PennDOT is promoting a motorcycle safety program called “Live Free, Ride Alive” which strongly advocates the use of helmets by bikers. The summer months account for the highest number of motorcycle accidents, with July having the highest monthly total.
A July 15, 2010 article by Cindy Stauffer of LancasterOnline.com stated that 14 motorcycle riders had died in Lancaster County in the first 6-1/2 months of the year. Chuck Becker is president of the Lancaster-Lebanon Liberty Riders, a chapter of Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE). He promotes 2 different methods of cycle-driver education. One is the distribution of motorcycle yard signs which encourage drivers to “look twice, save a life.” He also recommends that motorcycle riders slow down and plan evasive action when they see a motorist stopped at an intersection/driveway waiting to pull out.
An August 30, 2010 report by Amanda Dolasinski of The York Dispatch notes that the 9 motorcycle fatalities in York County in 2010 match the total of bikers’ deaths in all of 2009. Six of the 9 riders were not wearing helmets. A University of Pittsburgh study states that there has been a rapid rise in the number of motorcycle related head injury hospitalizations since Pennsylvania’s repeal of mandatory biker helmet laws. While your PA motorcycle accident lawyer strongly supports the use of helmets by motorcycle riders, the general public can help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents by being more vigilant in making sure there are no ‘cycles on the road when they pull out from a side street or driveway.
ABATE has distributed approximately 14,000 yellow yard signs that are designed to remind motorists of the presence of motorcycles on PA highways. In York County, the director of the Center for Traffic Safety is forming a committee designed to promote motorcycle safety and awareness. Motorcycle clubs, dealers & repair shops will be represented on this committee. For more information on motorcycle safety issues, I suggest you visit websites such as www.livefreeridealive.com and www.harley-davidsonforums.com.
If you or a family member has been injured in a PA motorcycle crash, please contact me, Attorney Thomas Newell for a free home consultation at 800-980-4842 or online at www.NewellLaw.com. I represent seriously injured motorcycle accident victims in Pennsylvania.
