Usually warmer weather means that there will be more motorcyclists on the roads, highways and turnpikes in Pennsylvania. Although motorcyclists often ride more frequently during non-winter months, traffic fatalities involving motorcycles still account for a significant percentage of all motor vehicle deaths in the Keystone State. This is because riders are far more vulnerable than their counterparts in other types of vehicles, so motorcycles involved in a car crash tend to have deadlier consequences.
In a report issued last month, the Governors Highway Safety Association noted that nationally, 5,286 motorcyclists were killed in 2016. This is the second highest number of motorcycle fatalities in more than 20 years. Only 2008 saw more motorcyclist deaths (5,312) in the same period. In 1994, motorcycle fatalities comprised 8.4 percent of all motor vehicle deaths in the United States. However, by 2016, motorcycle accidents accounted for 14.1 percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide.
According to the GHSA report, in 2016, motorcycle fatalities were 16.1 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in Pennsylvania. This is two percent above the national rate. Nevada was the state in which motorcycle accidents comprised the highest percentage of traffic deaths at 22.6 percent.
There were 191 motorcycle fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2016. The GHSA estimates that 184 people were killed on motorcycles in 2017, a decrease of 3.6 percent. However, these numbers could still rise due to under-reporting for which the figures have not yet been adjusted.
If you or a family member were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. It may be wise to contact an attorney to discuss any questions you may have.