Texting and driving is especially dangerous for motorcycle riders. When a distracted driver causes a car accident with another car, the injuries might be serious and deaths do occur.
However, when the same kind of distracted driving accident involves a motorcycle, the injuries are almost always fatal for the rider. If not fatal, catastrophic injuries result. This is because motorcycle riders literally have nothing protecting them from the force of the impact.
Earlier this year, a motorcyclist was killed in an intersection accident when a young driver allegedly drove 60 mph in a 30 mph zone while texting. Last year in October, 2011, a young woman who was texting and driving nearly killed a motorcycle rider. The rider survived, but her leg was amputated and she broke her collarbone and ribs and suffered nerve damage.
For a number of reasons, drivers of cars, trucks or buses often have difficulty seeing motorcycles on the road. One of the main reasons is the sheer size of a car, truck or bus relative to a motorcycle. Another reason is the lack of motorcycles on the road; drivers are just not used to seeing motorcycles on the road. These factors increase the likelihood of motorcycle accidents.
Pennsylvania’s Texting and Driving Law
Texting and driving is illegal in most states. Earlier this year, Pennsylvania’s legislature passed a texting and driving law, which bans texting and driving, but still allows talking on a cell phone when driving. While texting and driving is dangerous, many people forget that talking on a cell phone when driving can also be dangerous. Drivers generally have difficulty seeing motorcycles on the road, and cell phone use, whether texting or talking, makes it even more difficult. That’s why motorcycle safety is especially important. Motorcycle safety is critical in helping to avoid accidents.
More motorcycle safety articles:
- Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips
- Why Drivers Have Difficulty Seeing Motorcycles
- Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accidents – Steps to Take After an Accident
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
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.