Saturday evening, a motorcycle accident occurred in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The accident happened as a 23-year-old man on his motorcycle was traveling down Main Street in Boswell, Pennsylvania. A driver of a pickup truck then pulled out from Hower Avenue into the path of the motorcycle, which caused the collision. The motorcyclist was thrown from his motorcycle due to the impact causing fatal injuries. According to authorities the pickup driver was "found to be intoxicated" and was taken into custody. Once blood test results are obtained, charges will be filed.
Motorcyclist deaths more than doubled between 1999 and 2008. More than 34,000 motorcyclists lost their lives between 2001 and 2008 alone, with the most prone ages being 20-24 year-olds. As a motorcyclist you should follow these safety tips:
- Consider wearing a DOT-approved helmet.
- Never ride your motorcycle after drinking. Alcohol greatly impairs your ability to safely operate a motorcycle. If you have been drinking, get a ride home or call a taxi.
- Don't let friends ride impaired. Take their keys away.
- Wear protective clothing that provides some level of injury protection. Upper body clothing should also include bright colors or reflective materials, so that other motorists can more easily see you.
- Avoid tailgating.
· Maintain a safe speed and exercise caution when traveling over slippery surfaces or gravel.
Sometimes no matter how safely you ride, you can still be involved in a serious accident. If you or someone you know have been involved in an accident due to someone else's fault contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. today for a free consultation at 800-777-4081.
Sources: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Somerset County man killed in traffic accident". 9 November 2014.
Center for Disease Control. "Motorcycle Crash-Related Data". 14 June 2012.