Pennsylvania’s mandatory helmet law was repealed in September 2003. Since then, the number of deaths involving motorcycle accidents has increased by a third. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, of a total of 156 deaths in 2003, 118 motorcycle drivers wore a helmet, 27 did not and in 11 cases it was unknown. In 2004, of the reported 158 deaths, 74 drivers were wearing a helmet, 70 were not and in 14 cases it was unknown. In 2005, of a total of 106 deaths, 106 drivers were wearing a helmet, 87 were not and in 12 cases it was not known.
Experts on both sides of the helmet laws argue over the repealed law, and while those against the law claim their rights to freedom of choice, proponents for the helmet law point out that that lives could have been saved if those bikers who had died had been wearing helmets.
In the age of the ultra safety conscience government, undoubtedly safety is paramount, but is it fair to restrict or restrain the personal freedoms of those apposed to helmet laws in Pennsylvania for the sake of someone else’s peace of mind? The debate is sure to be ongoing, and what most law makers and concerned citizens fail to point out is that while this controversial subject does impact lives and the personal freedom to choose, the result at this point is the obvious high motorcycle insurance rates and premiums imposed on bikers.
Another valid point is; does the wearing of a helmet help to improve driver awareness of bikers on the streets and highways in Pennsylvania? I am quite sure that the answer is no. Research conducted between 2001-2002 while the helmet law was in effect showed that while accident related deaths dropped from 82% to 58%, the number of accidents had risen dramatically.
it seems that in some parts of the country that motorcycle riders are almost invisible to other motorists, or is it that these careless drivers do not consider bikers to have an equal right on the roads and highways? I won’t speculate on what the answer could be, but suffice it to say that the number of cars who hit motorcycles is far great than cars who are hit by motorcyclists!
The only obvious and responsible decision that law makers in Pennsylvania should be considering is passing stiffer laws and penalties for drives found to be at fault in vehicle versus motorcycle accidents. It is a proven fact that people take notice when their pocketbooks and freedom is hit hard for breaking driving laws! Nationwide drunk driving laws have proven that point quite well!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in, you need a skilled, experienced and aggressive Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you and protect your rights. Russ Brown has been winning millions upon millions of dollars in claims for motorcyclists since 1975. Call today for a free consultation. 1-800-4-BIKERS or visit Russbrown.com
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, Pennsylvania, or Ohio you need an Aggressive Motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights! Call 1-800-424-5377 today! Rob Fleming is a Freelance writer for hire with over 10 years experience in Developing unique website content, Website Marketing, and SEO techniques. He has authored hundreds of powerful articles on building site authority and driving traffic to websites.
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