How They Happen and How We Can All Share the Road Safely

1. MOTORCYLE
ACCIDENT
S
How They Happen and How We Can All
Share the Road Safely

2. There are approximately 850,000 motorcyclists in Pennsylvania.
Whether you include yourself among the ranks of bikers in our
state or choose another form of transportation, we can all agree
that it is in everyone’s best interest to make sure that we improve
safety for these motorists. In the pages that follow, we’ll look at
statistics, common injuries and tips for reducing the number of
motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania.
BIKERS IN PENNSYLVANIA
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1.800.LAW.6600

3.  Motorcyclist fatalities occur at a rate of 27 times that of passenger car occupants
when involved in a crash.
 Motorcyclists are 6 times more likely to be injured in a crash than passenger car
occupants.
 In 2016, the most recent year for which statistics are available, there were nearly
3,500 total motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania.
 In that same year, there were 189 fatal injury crashes involving motorcyclists.
 Nearly half of the motorcyclists killed in those crashes were not wearing a helmet
when the crash occurred.
FAST STATS ON MOTORCYCLE CRASHES
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1.800.LAW.6600

4. The following factors increase a motorcyclist’s risk of being involved in
a serious crash or suffering an injury in a serious crash:
Alcohol use
Speeding
Not wearing a helmet
The type of motorcycle you drive (super sport motorcyclists have
nearly 4 times the death rate of other motorcyclists).
RISK FACTORS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
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1.800.LAW.6600

5. Like all crashes, human error is often to blame for motorcycle accidents. Here are a few
common causes of motorcycle crashes…
 Drunk driving
 Distraction
 Speeding
 Driver fatigue
 Not signaling when turning or changing lanes
 Failing to account for speed of oncoming vehicle at an intersection
 Following another vehicle too closely
 Failure to obey traffic signs or signals.
COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
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1.800.LAW.6600

6. Motorcycle crashes are notoriously catastrophic for motorcyclists and
their passengers. Some of the most serious injuries in motorcycle
accidents include…
Traumatic brain injuries
Internal injuries or organ damage
Back and neck injuries
Road rash
Fractured bones.
POSSIBLE INJURIES IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
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7. By wearing a helmet, you increase your chances of
avoiding a head injury by 69%.
Wearing a helmet reduces your risk of being killed in a
crash by 37%.
The United States could save over $1 billion annually if
all motorcyclists wore helmets.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HELMETS
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1.800.LAW.6600

8. 1. Perform routine inspections on your motorcycle.
2. Make sure you wear the proper attire when biking.
3. Get a license and safety training.
4. Practice with your bike before taking long rides.
5. Choose the right motorcycle for your size and weight.
6. Learn and practice defensive driving.
TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
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1.800.LAW.6600

9. 1. Be aware that motorcycles might be closer than they appear - this is very
important to remember at intersections or when looking in the rear-view
mirror.
2. Always signal your intentions before turning or shifting lanes.
3. Be mindful of your blind spots.
4. Give motorcyclists adequate space, and don’t follow them too closely –
motorcycles can brake much more quickly than passenger cars.
TIPS FOR OTHER MOTORISTS
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1.800.LAW.6600

10. Regardless of what vehicle type we choose to drive, we can
all protect ourselves and our fellow motorists by…
1. Never driving impaired
2. Staying focused while driving
3. Using turn signals and giving other drivers room to operate
4. Being careful when opening a door into traffic or when
operating a motorcycle near parked vehicles.
TIPS FOR ALL OF US…
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1.800.LAW.6600

11. If you’ve been injured by another motorist, you shouldn’t
have to pay the costs associated with your injury. An
injury claim can help you cope with the financial fallout of
a crash, including medical bills, lost time at work and
pain and suffering.
WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER CAUSES YOUR CRASH
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1.800.LAW.6600

12. To learn more about filing an injury claim in the wake of a
motorcycle accident, contact the Philadelphia legal team
at Wapner Newman. We offer free consultations to help
you figure out your legal options. Contact us today by
filling out our online contact form or calling us at
800-529-6600.
CONTACT WNW TO LEARN MORE
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1.800.LAW.6600