Motorcyclists Safety, tips and info for Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania according to the law:

1. You (The automobile driver) must allow the motorcyclist/moped driver to use one complete lane.   

2. Most motorcycle/automobile or moped/automobile crashes happen at intersections. Usually, the car turns left in front of a moving motorcycle/moped when the driver of the car should have yielded the right of way.   

3. Do not assume a motorcycle/moped is turning when you see its turn signal flashing. A motorcycle/mopeds turn signals may not turn off automatically, like a cars. Do not pull out in front of a motorcycle/moped until you see it actually turning.   

4. Obstacles that may prove minor to a motorist can be deadly to a motorcyclist/moped driver. Be prepared for motorcyclists/moped drivers to make sudden changes in lanes or speed as they attempt to avoid a hazard on the road.   

5. Allow the same 4-second following distance or more you would allow for other vehicles. Increase your following distance behind a motorcycle/moped, when road or weather conditions are bad. 

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents comprise a large portion of all accident-related causalities each year, roughly 8%, despite the fact that motorcyclists represent a mere 2% of the drivers on the road. In fact, nearly 80% of motorcycle accidents result in death, as compared with 20% of motor vehicle accidents. According to recent statistics, a motorcyclist is 16 times more likely to die and 3 times more likely to be injured in a collision than an automobile occupant. That equates to over 3,000 fatalities and approximately 50,000 injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents each year in America. The alarming fact is that in most motorcycle accidents, the collision is not the fault of the motorcyclists. Rather, most motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers, flawed roadway conditions, or roadway manufacturing defects.

Whenever you ride always wear your proper riding gear which includes a helmet (DOT approved or better), eye protection (face shield, goggles or shatter resistant full coverage glasses), long sleeved shirt or jacket, full fingered gloves, long pants (denim or leather), and over the ankle boots or sturdy shoes with non skid soles. You'll be more comfortable, safer and ultimately enjoy riding even more.  At night, be careful not to override your motorcycle's headlight. And take extra care to be seen by other drivers by wearing reflective clothing and using reflective tape and decals.  In addition to the pre-ride inspection you should know how to do minor maintenance and service on your motorcycle, especially important on long rides and trips. Be sure to read your owner's manual and follow the directions.

When you brake, use both brakes together. Generally speaking, when conditions are good, the front brake accounts for as much as 2/3 of the bike's stopping power. How much brake pressure to use depends on your abilities, your bike's capabilities, and the environment.  Slow down before going into a curve. Look through the curve and gently accelerate as you enter and drive through the curve. This gentle acceleration creates stability but cannot be accomplished without proper braking prior to entering the curve.

Mud, sand, water and other foreign debris on the road take special handling. Before reaching a slippery surface, slow down and avoid directional or speed changes as you ride through the hazard.  Remember that the first few minutes of a rain storm are the most dangerous as the water mixes with the oil and fluids on the roadway. Avoid riding during this time, if possible. If you must ride try to ride in the tracks of the other vehicles in front of you as they force away the water and oils.

Standing on the pegs can help you keep control of your cycle when riding over obstacles or rough surfaces. Keep your knees and elbows bent, look past the hazard in the direction you want to go and maintain a steady speed.
Always plan ahead - you never know what kind of problems may be coming up. Know what you'll have to do if you suddenly skid, have a blowout, or loose clutch or throttle control.

Riding with a passenger makes balance and control of your bike a great challenge. Make sure your passenger is wearing all of the proper riding gear, knows where and how to sit, where to put their feet and hands and how to lean through turns. Tell them to look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn. Remember that the passenger is "your" responsibility and should be properly educated, prepared and ready to ride.

Never ride if you have consumed any drugs, prescription, or otherwise, or alcohol. Your best weapon on the bike, your judgment, becomes impaired and your ability to reaction time is slowed.  When you carry loads, be sure to fasten them securely to the motorcycle and keep the heavier objects low and towards the center of gravity of the bike. Never secure loads where they will affect your steering, handling, or site of the road ahead.

Protecting Your Rights

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to take certain steps in order to develop a strong claim. First, immediately seek medical assistance if you are injured in anyway. The police need to be called to the motorcycle accident scene and write a police report of the incident. It is important to exchange information with the other people involved, including names, phone numbers, addresses, license plate numbers, insurance company names and policy numbers. If it is safe, take pictures of the scene where the motorcycle accident occurred. Also, remember that anything you say after the motorcycle accident may be used against you in a future lawsuit, so only give facts that are accurate. Always obtain a copy of the police report, which are typically available 10 days after the incident. Don’t worry if the police report does not accurately reflect your recollection, your lawyer will advise you on this matter.

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