May 2021: Motorcycle Awareness Month.

There are nearly 850,000 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania.

During May, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, along with local and state law enforcement, will be reminding everyone about the importance of motorcycle safety.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), motorcyclist deaths occur 28 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles.

In 2019, (2020 has not been released yet) there were 5,014 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes. This is a decrease from 2018 (5,038). Those deaths accounted for 14% of the total highway fatalities that year.

To lower injuries and fatalities, we need to be aware while driving, obey speed limits and be responsible.

How you can participate in Motorcycle Awareness Month

Motorist Awareness of Motorcycles:

It is sometimes easy to overlook a motorcycle.  Because of their size, a motorcycle can be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or covered by an object such as a bush or sign.  Motorists should take an extra moment to carefully check for motorcycles when changing lanes or turning at an intersection.

It is also important to keep in mind that motorcycles cannot stop as abruptly as a vehicle can.  Drivers should allow a safe distance between them and the motorcycle in the event they must come to an abrupt stop.

Rider Safety:

Motorcyclists can also do their part to keep themselves safe on the roads by wearing a safety helmet.  Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and reduce the risk of a head injury by 69%.  In Pennsylvania, motorcyclists over the age of 21 are not required to wear a helmet who either have had their motorcycle license for at least two full years or have completed a motorcycle rider safety course.  The course must be approved by the state or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Sharing the Road:

According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than other motorists.  This is because they simply do not have the same safety features on a motorcycle that a vehicle does.

A significant number of motorcycle accidents are caused by an error made by the driver of a car, truck or SUV.

In fact, motorcycle accidents involving another motor vehicle account for nearly half of all motorcyclist fatalities in the United States.

Motorcycles are vehicles that have the same rights and privileges as all other vehicles on roadways.  If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Berger and Green.  Our attorneys will provide you with a free no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case.  Call 412-661-1400 to speak with an attorney today.

Source: NHTSA,  “Motorcycle Safety.”