With spring here and warmer weather right around the corner, Pennsylvania
motorists will see an increase in motorcyclists sharing the highways and
roadways. In 2015 there were 860,600 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania.
While there are those that believe operating a motorcycle is dangerous,
statistics show that in the majority of accidents involving a motorcycle,
the cause of the accident is the fault of the other vehicle. In 2015 there
were 3,413
motorcycle accidents
in Pennsylvania, with 176 of those proving to be fatal.
Here are a few safety tips for motorists sharing the road with motorcyclists:
Look for motorcyclists carefully — motorcycles may be difficult to
see, so you should always check your blindspots and mirrors before turning
or changing lanes. Also be aware that large vehicles can block a motorcyclist
from your view.
Leave distance between you and the motorcyclist — When behind a motorcycle
on the road, leave at least four seconds between you and it.
Always use your turn signal lights when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
Remember that a motorcyclist has the same rights and privileges as any
other driver on the road. Respect him or her as such, and give the motorcyclist
a full lane width.
Here are a few tips for motorcyclists to improve their safety on the road:
Wear a U.S. DOT-approved helmet, face or eye protection and protective clothing.
Know your motorcycle and conduct a pre-ride check.
Be seen. Wear reflective clothing and put reflective tape on your protective
riding gear and motorcycle.
Use common sense by riding sober, obeying all speed limits and allowing
enough time to react to dangerous situations.
Practice safe-riding techniques and know how to handle your motorcycle
in adverse road and weather conditions. Road conditions such as potholes,
gravel, wet or slippery surfaces are usually only small annoyances to
motorists, but are serious dangers for motorcyclists.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Attorneys With 130+ years' Experience
If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident through no fault of
your own, turn to Metzger Wickersham's experienced personal injury
lawyers for advice. Motorcycle injuries can involve long hospital stays,
surgeries, and extensive rehab or physical therapy. Medical bills can
pile up quickly, and you may even find yourself unable to work for an
extended period of time. Metzger Wickersham can guide you through the
claims process and ensure that you receive full and fair compensation
for your injuries.
With spring here and warmer weather right around the corner, Pennsylvania
motorists will see an increase in motorcyclists sharing the highways and
roadways. In 2015 there were 860,600 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania.
While there are those that believe operating a motorcycle is dangerous,
statistics show that in the majority of accidents involving a motorcycle,
the cause of the accident is the fault of the other vehicle. In 2015 there
were 3,413
motorcycle accidents
in Pennsylvania, with 176 of those proving to be fatal.
