State draws attention to rising danger of motorcycle accidents

Pennsylvania officials are hoping that the warm months will bring out people on the state’s roadways, not emergency responders. Unfortunately, with the higher temperatures comes a rise in the numbers of motorcycle accidents. The commonwealth is working to raise the awareness of all motorists in an effort to make the roads safer for all.

In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles reported an estimated 3,000 accidents involving motorcycles. Of that number, 192 were fatal. As a result of this rising number of wrecks, the state is participating in Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May. According to riders, the biggest problem is that other motorists simply do not see the smaller vehicles.

One biker shared that he has had several close calls due to drivers pulling out into his path. He cited the fact that many motorists are often distracted by any number of things, including cellular phones, and do not take the time to look for the motorcyclists. Many riders agreed that it is often safer to ride in groups as these are more noticeable and may help avoid getting caught in a driver’s blind spot.

Some motorcyclists admitted that how one rides can also lead to motorcycle accidents, as taking risks is not a safe practice when sharing the roads with much larger vehicles. It is hoped that this campaign to increase awareness will result in fewer wrecks and fatalities throughout the year. Victims of these collisions or surviving family members of fatal victims have the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death civil suit if the wreck was the result of negligence on the part of another party. Favorable rulings may help one to recover the monetary damages typically associated with these tragedies.

Source: your4state.com, “Pennsylvania Motorcycle Awareness Month“, Karlynn Wells, May 2, 2017