Some people feel a rush from riding a motorcycle, which is understandable, but when speeding on Pennsylvania roads, motorcyclists create a much greater accident risk for themselves and other motorists. Bucks County personal injury lawyer Michael L. Saile, Jr. reports that Pennsylvania motorcycle accidents are particularly dangerous because although a relatively small percentage of people ride motorcycles, a very high percentage of motorcycle accidents that do occur are fatal. Many PA motorcyclists feel the need for speed, leading to even more fatal accidents.
Miminize Danger…Slow Down
A high number of motorcycle accidents nationwide result because of a speeding rider. In fact, almost 2/3 of all motorcycle accident reports listed speed as at least a contributing factor. Speed is a controllable accident factor, though, while many other factors are uncontrollable. It is a much better idea to obey the speed limit in order to arm yourself as best as possible against those uncontrollable factors.
Motorcycles are dangerous because there is almost no form of protection around the rider. A helmet may help prevent head injuries in the event of an accident, but the rest of the body is vulnerable to injuries as well. There is also no helmet law for those over the age of 21 in the state of Pennsylvania. Unlike a car, motorcycles do not have seat belts or doors or even large enough windshields to protect their riders. Speeding makes these dangerous characteristics even worse because the potential for serious personal injury, and death, increases as speed increases. In the event of a Bucks County motorcycle accident, motorcyclists are often thrown from the motorcycle. The impact of your body hitting the ground or a pole or cement road barrier is tremendous at high speeds.
Become an Experienced Rider
Operating a motorcycle is not easy, and your reflexes must be keen in case something unexpected happens on the road, such as another vehicle not being aware of your presence or your encountering a slick piece of road surface while coming around a a curve. Statistics show that motorcycle accidents occur most often at night or on rural roads. Bucks County is home to many rural roads, where motorcyclists may feel they can travel as fast as they want. This is dangerous because speeding decreases the amount of time a driver has to make a decision and to come to a stop.
While you may be one to observe all safety tips when you’re out on your motorcycle, accidents do still happen. If you’ve been injured in a Bucks County motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, the personal injury lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC can help. Contact our Bucks County law office to schedule a FREE consultation.
