Published on behalf of *For immediate release
According to a preliminary motorcycle accident report issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association today, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents is climbing in Pennsylvania.
From January through September 2012, 184 Pennsylvanians died in motorcycle accidents. That is nearly an 8 percent increase from the number of fatal motorcycle accidents (171) for the same months in 2011. This trend mirrors a national trend – motorcycle accidents, including motorcycle accident fatalities, are increasing.
However, New Jersey has bucked the trend. Pennsylvania’s fatal motorcycle accidents vastly outnumber those in New Jersey. In the same period, January through September 2012, only 65 motorcycle riders were killed in New Jersey. That number is down from 79 in 2011. That is nearly a 20% decline.
One reason for the large discrepancy is the two states’ motorcycle helmet laws. New Jersey has a universal motorcycle helmet law – everyone must wear a helmet. However, Pennsylvania only requires helmets for riders under the age of 21 or those who have their license for less than 2 years and have not completed an approved motorcycle safety course. For Pennsylvania, this partial helmet law creates a situation where practically everyone is able to ride without a helmet. Read more about the importance of helmet use in motorcycle accident injury prevention.
Reasons for the Increase in Motorcycle Accidents
Nationwide, motorcycle accidents are increasing every year. There are two explanations. One is the change in weather – warmer fall and spring seasons mean more motorcycles on the road. The other explanation for the rise in the number of motorcycle accidents is financial, the economy and gas prices.
In general, a rise in motorcycle accident fatalities coincides with a rise in the number of motorcycle registrations. In addition, when gas prices increase, motorcycle use rises.
In Pennsylvania, the number of motorcycle riders is increasing each year. There were 836,466 licensed motorcycle riders in 2011, up by roughly 10,000 from the previous year. To read more Pennsylvania motorcycle accident statistics, click here.
Suggested reading:
- Why Drivers Have Difficulty Seeing Motorcycles
- Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accidents – Steps to Take After an Accident
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman take great pride in representing motorcyclists and have successfully handled many car and motorcycle accident cases. FREE consultations. 215.925.4451
Schwartz & Blackman handles motorcycle accident cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
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