Deer and The Drunken Motorcycle Driver - Pennsylvania is Number One For Deer/Motorcycle Accidents
Last week, I had the occasion to spend four days in the mountainous upstate region of Pennsylvania in the early days of Fall and saw what was not an uncommon sight. A caravan of bikers traveling north on Interstate 81 finally coming to rest at a popular roadside restaurant guzzling down a few cold beers after a lengthy ride from the city. Not only does drinking not go well with the use of a motorcycle, what these motorcyclists did not take into account is the increasing number of deer on mountainous roads and the increasing number of motorcycle/animal crashes.
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there is a deer/vehicle crash approximately ever 8 minutes, often resulting in a catastrophic injury or fatality. Recently an accident occurred in Pennsylvania where a motorcycle rider struck a deer, lost control of the motorcycle and skated into the oncoming lane of northbound traffic where he was hit by an approaching car and killed. According to sources, Pennsylvania is the number one state in vehicle/deer collisions. Obviously, a disproportionate number of these crashes involve fatalities to motorcyclists. In winter months when roads are salted, deer are attracted to the salt licks.
When operating a motorcycle, one should be highly cautious at night and pay attention in wooded and mountainous areas. Deer often travel in groups. If you see one, there is generally a herd nearby. Dusk and evening hours are more active with deer crossings. Months noted prominently for deer collisions are late September through November with a smaller peak from May to June. It is important to have good powerful driving lights on the motorcycle when driving down dark highways at night. As always, it is extremely important to wear protective gear because as with other crashes, chance favors the prepared man.
The Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily are committed to promoting motorcycle safety. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, please call one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily for a free consultation at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
