Tips to prevent motorcycle accidents

Safety Law Awareness Week is an annual initiative by the Pennsylvania State Police to remind and inform drivers about lesser-known traffic laws. Law enforcement hopes that education will go a long way to prevent serious crashes and motorcycle accidents. In addition to general laws that apply to all motorists, like wearing a seat belt and slowing down or changing lanes to avoid striking first responders or police that may be on the side of the road, there are specific laws that apply to motorcycles. 

Motorcycle helmet laws in Pennsylvania can be tricky to understand. Current law states that a helmet must be worn unless a rider is at least 21 years old and one of two subsequent conditions applies. A driver 21 or older can decide not to use a helmet if he or she has at least two years of riding experience or has completed a PennDot-approved safety course. This law also applies to passengers. 

The state offers motorcycle safety courses for free to Pennsylvania residents or those on active duty military. To take advantage of this offer, a rider must show a valid drivers license and a motorcycle permit. These courses offer information that can be life-saving even for an experienced rider. 

Anyone that suffers serious injury in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident could face a long road to recovery after a crash. Matters like permanent physical injury, medical bills and/or damage to a motorcycle or other personal property can be difficult to handle. Motorcycle accidents that are caused by the negligence of another can be particularly frustrating. In many circumstances, legal action can be taken against the party or parties deemed responsible for a victim’s pain, suffering and related monetary losses.