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Getting involved in a motorcycle accident is not something that anybody wants to experience. Unfortunately, these incidents are not uncommon in and around Philadelphia. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers want to discuss ways that motorcyclists can avoid accidents in the city. If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle accident, we are here to help secure compensation.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 2,714 total motorcycle accidents during the latest reporting year across the Commonwealth. While this was a significant decline from the previous year, these incidents still caused 164 fatalities and 2,611 injuries. Looking at those statistics, we can see that a significant percentage of motorcycle accidents result in an injury or fatality. Data from PennDOT Shows that 93.3% of those injured were motorcycle drivers, and 6.7% were passengers.
There are various steps that motorcyclists can take to remain safe while riding in Philadelphia.
It is especially important for motorcyclists in the city to be aware of their surroundings. There will be plenty of vehicle and pedestrian traffic that could present serious hazards for motorcyclists. A motorcyclist should always be aware of hazardous roadway conditions or obstacles in the road in front of them.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately half of all fatal motorcycle accidents in the US involve alcohol. The only way to prevent a drinking and riding accident is to abstain from drinking when you plan on getting on your motorcycle.
Riding a motorcycle at increased speeds increases the risk that a motorcyclist will lose control of the bike or will be able to stop for any obstacles on the roadway. Follow set speed limits, or even ride below the speed limit depending on roadway conditions.
All too often, vehicle drivers and motorcyclists alike get distracted by cell phones and other devices. It is vital to minimize all distractions when riding a motorcycle so that the driver can keep their eyes on the roadway around them.
Lane splitting is the practice of motorcycles riding down the centerline in between other vehicles when traffic is slow or at a stop. This is not legal in Pennsylvania, and drivers in traditional vehicles do not expect this type of action to occur. Lane splitting can lead to serious accidents.
Slick roadways are not a friend to motorcyclists. Motorcycle tires have much less traction on wet pavement than they do on dry pavement. Rain and snow can also lead to a motorcyclist having decreased visibility.
Just like any other vehicle, a motorcycle must be properly maintained to ensure adequate roadway safety. Drivers should ensure that the horn, signals, and lights are all in proper working order. Motorcyclists should also check the chain, belt, brakes, and tires on a regular basis.
While wearing a helmet will not actually prevent an accident, a DOT-approved helmet will reduce the chances of a rider sustaining serious head and brain injuries.
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation if the incident was caused by another driver’s negligence. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, our team will investigate every aspect of your case in order to secure the compensation you need. This could include the following:
If you need a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer, you can contact us by clicking here or calling 215-987-3730 for a free consultation of your case.
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