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It probably seems like every time you fill up your tank with gas you cringe as the money you owe has once again increased. And this is something that is not expected to change anytime soon as the price of gas is expected steadily increase throughout the summer. Not surprisingly, with the rising gas prices and warming weather, many people are expected to trade in their automobiles for motorcycles.
This is one reason why drivers need to be especially cautious of motorcycles on the road, especially since motorcycle fatalities in Pennsylvania are on the rise. In fact, while the national number of fatal motorcycle accidents declined by 2 percent last year, the number in Pennsylvania increased by 6 percent in just the first nine months of last year, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
In all, Pennsylvania saw 197 fatal motorcycle accidents during January through September of last year. That same period in 2009 saw 186 fatal accidents, the Governors Highway Safety Association report said.
The report also noted that the national decline in fatal motorcycle accidents, which was the second straight decrease after rising steadily for 11 years, was mainly unique to the early months of the year, and the number of fatalities actually rose 3 percent in the third quarter of the year.
In addition, the report also revealed that helmet use decreased from 67 percent in 2009 to 54 percent in 2010. The study predicted that this “alarming decline” in helmet use among riders, combined with the expected surge of motorcycles on the road could lead to many more serious motorcycle accidents to come.
If you or someone you love rides a motorcycle, make sure that they do what they can to stay safe by wearing protective gear, including a helmet. Also, be sure to watch for and be aware of motorcycles that will be sharing the roads this spring.
Source: The Pittsburg Post-Gazette, “Increase in Pa. motorcycle fatalities bucks national trend,” 4/19/2011.