Dramatic Increase In The Number of Deaths Among Motorcyclists Aged 40 And Older – Philadelphia Motorcycle Lawyer Weighs In On Preventative Safety
Over the past few years not surprisingly many older and affluent riders have purchased motorcycles. Many of these self proclaimed “masters of the universe” go out and purchase the biggest and “best” bike that they can afford and too often take the highways with very little or no experience on a smaller bike let alone a larger and unwieldy motorcycle.
Over the past 10 years, motorcycle fatalities and catastrophic injury have been increasing at a more than nominal rate. According to NHTSA, in 2007 5,154 motorcyclists died in crashes, up 6.6% from 4,837 in 2006. Now motorcycle fatalities are at their highest level since NHTSA began collecting data in 1975. From 1997, an historic low, to 2007 motorcycle fatalities rose 144%. According to NHTSA research, older motorcyclists now account for more than half of all motorcycle fatalities. Obviously, motorcycles are by their nature less safe than an automobile or other closed vehicle. Operating a motor vehicle requires a different combination of physical and mental skills.
The experienced motorcycle accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily strongly urges all motorcycle operators, particularly first time purchasers and operators, to take a motorcycle safety course which greatly improves rider safety awareness and skills. As an experienced motorcycle rider for many years and a graduate of the motorcycle safety program in Pennsylvania, I highly recommend the free safety program to any licensed Pennsylvania driver who is considering operating a motorcycle on Pennsylvania highways. A free motorcycle safety class consists of 15 hours of classroom and riding instruction and is a lot of fun. Pennsylvania also offers an experienced motorcycle rider course developed to address the skills needed for low risk, enjoyable on-street motorcycling consisting of 6 hours of riding instruction. For more information and to review the basic rider course manual please go to www.pamsp.com.
The experienced motorcycle injury lawyers at Reiff and Bily are committed to promoting motorcycle safety and have extensive experience representing motorcyclists who have been seriously injured in motorcycle accidents in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers at Reiff and Bily are experienced riders who understand motorcycles and motorcycle accident law and know how to review and prove damages, establish legal responsibility, assess how much financial recovery your injuries warrant and collect your financial settlement or judgment. Our attorneys will confidently handle every aspect of your claim so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries should an accident occur. Please contact us at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
