Published on behalf of Across the United States, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. For the most part, New Jersey has followed the same trend. Each year, there are roughly 2500 motorcycle accidents in the state of New Jersey. Of that number, roughly 70 riders are killed in motorcycle accidents. In addition, motorcycle registrations have generally increased each year over the past decade. One reason is that more and more people are riding motorcycles as a less expensive means of transportation.
Whether it’s to avoid a motorcycle-car accident, a single motorcycle accident or a motorcycle-truck accident, motorcycle riders must be extraordinarily cautious. Much of New Jersey’s roadways are major highways where speeds often exceed 60 miles per hour. While accidents at these speeds are almost always fatal, even at lower speeds, such as 30 miles per hour, a motorcycle accident may be fatal or cause significant, catastrophic injuries.
Motorcycle riders can prevent accidents by taking simple steps. One of the most important things any rider can do is take advantage of the many motorcycle safety courses offered throughout New Jersey. There are multiple Motorcycle Safety Foundation training locations in New Jersey. Visit www.NJRIDESAFE.ORG to learn more about motorcycle safety and accident prevention courses in NJ.
The Basic Rider Course offers 5 hours of classroom instruction as well as 10 hours of riding exercises. Graduates of the course may be eligible for insurance rate reductions and waiver of the NJ motorcycle rider course requirement. New Jersey residents who operate a motorcycle must have either a motorcycle endorsement on their driver license or a separate motorcycle license. In order to obtain the endorsement or license, riders must pass written and road tests.
Getting a motorcycle operator endorsement or license can give a rider a false sense of security. Motorcycle riding is very dangerous, especially because other drivers on the road may not see motorcycles, which increases the chances of an accident. Riders should not only take a basic motorcycle training course, but should also obtain refresher training at a minimum of every 5 years, or more often for riders who take extended breaks from riding or ride infrequently.
Suggested reading:
- Motorcycle Left Turn Intersection Accidents
- What Does Age Have to do with Severity of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
- Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania – A Look at Helmet Laws
NJ & PA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman take great pride in representing motorcyclists and have successfully handled many motorcycle accident cases and offers free consultations. 215.925.4451
Schwartz & Blackman handles motorcycle accident cases in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area:
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia