Published on behalf of It’s no secret that motorcycle accidents cause serious injuries, and motorcycle accident injuries are increasing. In fact, according to the CDC, nonfatal motorcycle accident injuries have increased by roughly 50% from 2001 to 2008. Also in 2010, over 4,500 motorcycle riders and passengers died in motorcycle accidents in the U.S. The thing that makes motorcycle riding so fun and exhilarating is what makes it dangerous – lack of a barrier between the rider and other vehicles. That’s why helmet use is so important.
Last year, the CDC issued a report detailing motorcycle helmet use and accidents in the U.S. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Helmet Use Among Motorcyclists Who Died in Crashes and Economic Cost Savings Associated With State Motorcycle Helmet Laws — United States, 2008–2010, June 15, 2012 / 61(23);425-430.
The CDC report showed that in states with universal helmet laws (where all riders are required to wear helmets) 12% of motorcycle accident deaths involved riders who were not wearing helmets. For states with partial helmet laws, that number jumped to 64%. For states with no helmet law, that number jumps even higher to 79%.
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Helmet Law
In Pennsylvania, motorcycle riders have steadily increased over the past 10 years. Each year in this state, the number of registered motorcyclists increases by roughly 10,000. With the steady increase in motorcycle riding in this state, helmet use is increasingly important.
However, the problem is that Pennsylvania only has a partial motorcycle helmet law. Under the law, riders over the age of 21 who have either 1. had their motorcycle license for over 2 years or 2. taken a designated motorcycle riding safety course don’t have to wear a helmet. Read about Pennsylvania’s motorcycle helmet law.
Helmet use saves lives. Period. There is no question that motorcycle riders not wearing helmets who get into accidents suffer far greater head injuries than riders who wear helmets.
Suggested reading:
- Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Discusses Motorcycle Accident Statistics
- Why Drivers Have Difficulty Seeing Motorcycles
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman take great pride in representing motorcyclists and have successfully handled many 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
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.