Pennsylvania is a popular state when it comes to motorcycles. If you or a loved one own a motorcycle, you probably do everything you can to be safe when you hit the roadways each day. One of the number one safety measures a rider or passenger can take is to wear a helmet when they ride. However, you may have wondered about the helmet laws in Pennsylvania.
What is required to be in compliance with Pennsylvania’s helmet law?
Today, the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman is going to discuss the helmet laws with you as well as some general motorcycle safety statistics. When you need a Pittsburgh motorcycle accident attorney, you can count on us to be by your side.
WHAT ARE THE MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA?
Pennsylvania has a mixed bag when it comes to motorcycle helmet laws. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says that the law “requires that any person who operates or rides a motorcycle (including an autocycle) must wear protective headgear unless he or she is over 21 years of age or older and has either two years of riding experience or has completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.”
Helmets used must meet the requirements approved by the US Department of Transportation. Acceptable helmets must have the DOT sticker on the outside and have the following information on the inside:
- Name or identification of the manufacturer
- Precise model designation
- Size
- Month and year the helmet was made
If you are under 21 or have less than two years of riding experience, you must wear a helmet to be in compliance with the law in Pennsylvania.
THE STATISTICS BEHIND MOTORCYCLE CRASHES
During the latest reporting year in Pennsylvania, there was a total of 3,194 motorcycle crashes. Out of those, there were:
- 181 motorcyclist fatalities
- 4,413 motorcyclist injuries
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that helmets save an estimated 1,859 lives in US motorcycle crashes in 2016. They say that, if all motorcyclists would have worn a helmet that year, 802 more lives could have been saved.
- Helmets reduce the risk of death in a motorcycle crash by 37%.
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury in a motorcycle crash by 69%.
Whether or not to wear a helmet is largely a personal choice in Pennsylvania, but we hope riders choose to do so.
LET US GET TO WORK HELPING YOU TODAY
Getting into a motorcycle accident can be scary and confusing. The number one priority is your health, so please ensure you seek medical treatment for any injuries. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we are ready to help you get through the aftermath of a motorcycle crash. You may need help securing the following:
- All of your crash-related medical expenses
- Lost income if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages if another person’s negligence caused your crash
Let our Pittsburgh motorcycle accident team get to work today. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling(412) 391-7610.
