Crash Stats and Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists are significantly more likely to be hurt or killed in traffic accidents when compared to occupants of other vehicles. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to look out for bikers or follow them too closely, resulting in dangerous or even deadly collisions.
At Freeburn Law, we are avid motorcycle enthusiasts. We know the devastation that a motorcycle accident can have on a person and their family, which is why we fight for riders across Pennsylvania. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash, contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), there are over 800,000 licensed motorcyclists and approximately 377,147 registered motorcycles in the state. Despite representing only a fraction of the registered vehicles on the road, they account for a large number of the total crashes.
PennDOT 2020 motorcycle crash stats:
- There were 215 fatal motorcycle crashes and 217 fatalities;
- Motorcycles were involved in over 20% of the total fatal crashes in the state;
- There were 2,960 injury crashes involving motorcycles, accounting for 6.6% of all injury crashes;
- 94% Of those killed in motorcycle accidents were drivers;
- 53% of the fatal motorcycle accidents involved someone not wearing a helmet; and
- Nearly 42% of motorcycle crash injuries involved someone (driver or passenger) not wearing a helmet.
Despite fewer cars being on the road due to the pandemic, 2020 proved a deadly year for motorcyclists in Pennsylvania. The fatal injury crashes represented a 5 year high, exceeding the 2019 total of 175.
Motorcycle Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law requires that any person operating or riding a motorcycle must wear protective headgear and an eye-protection device.
Exceptions to Pennsylvania’s motorcycle helmet law include:
- Persons over the age of 21 who have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two full calendar years;
- Persons over the age of 21 who have completed an approved motorcycle rider safety course; or
- A passenger of one of the above who is over the age of 21.
An individual with a motorcycle learner’s permit must wear a helmet, even if they are over the age of 21. Eligible motorcycle safety courses are those approved by the PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Eye-protective devices must be worn by all motorcycle riders (drivers and passengers) regardless of age.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Both motorcyclists and other motorists can help protect each other on the road. Motorists sharing the road with motorcycles should always be on the lookout for bikers. Checking blind spots and allowing ample following distance is key to preventing motorcycle crashes.
The PennDOT recommends that motorcyclists:
- Wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing;
- Consider taking a free training program;
- Be familiar with their bike before riding;
- Wear reflective clothing and put reflective tape on gear; and
- Drive sober and drive the speed limit.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. Bikers are more prone to serious injury compared with car occupants. Even a low-speed collision can result in life-threatening harm.
Fighting for Motorcycle Riders
At Freeburn Law, we fight for riders. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, get the dedicated representation you deserve.
Contact our office at (717) 777-7777 for a free case evaluation. Get the help you need now. Call to get started.