Motorcycle Accidents

New York Could be First State to Adopt “Textalyzer” to Reduce Distracted Driving

Published on: May 19, 2017 | O'Connor Law

With the rising popularity of cell phone use over the years the amount of car accidents caused by distracted drivers has also increased. More and more drivers are having trouble keeping their eyes on the road and instead are choosing to look at their cell phones to text, use Facebook and snapchat, read and send emails, or do any number of distracting things on their phone. Even though almost all of the States ban texting while driving, the National Safety Council estimated that as many as 10,000 Americans were killed because of distracted driving last year.

If you are travelling at 55mph and are looking at your phone for 5 seconds you will travel the length of a football field without looking at the road and the possible dangers that exist on it. By texting and driving you are essentially driving blindfolded and putting your life and the lives of others in danger.

In 2016, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a survey and found that 40% of drivers stated they have read a text or an email while driving, and nearly 1/3 reported typing one. There have been numerous public service campaigns, such as “It can wait,” to convince people to put down their cell phones while they are driving but the distracted driving epidemic continues to exist at an alarming level.

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program

Published on: April 17, 2017 | O'Connor Law

Spring is here which brings warmer temperatures. Warmer temperatures mean that motorcycle riding season is here in Pennsylvania.

PennDOT is urging riders of all ages and skill levels to prepare for the season by taking the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program training course. The training courses are available throughout Pennsylvania and are free to all Pennsylvania residents and active duty military with a Motorcycle Learner’s permit or motorcycle license. The free courses are for novice through seasoned riders and are under the supervision of certified instructors.

“Keeping skills sharp and reinforcing the importance of safety through Pennsylvania’s free motorcycle safety classes help both novice and experienced riders enjoy a safe and enjoyable riding season,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “Riders can practice and refine their techniques while honing the split-second decision making required to safely operate a motorcycle.”

Signs for Identifying and Recognizing Reckless Drivers

Published on: August 4, 2016 | O'Connor Law

Reckless driving seems easy enough to spot, right? But, accidents still happen and it’s important to know the signs so that you can avoid getting in one. What seems like common sense can sometimes be overlooked on the road. Keep an eye out for these kinds of driving behaviors to ensure you and your passengers remain safe.

Ignoring Traffic Signs and Lights

If a car is continually running stop signs, blowing through red lights and simply ignoring the rules of the road, they are a hazard. Make sure you are obeying all traffic signs and lights, as well as staying away from those drivers who don’t, to prevent a potential accident.

AAA Projects Record-Breaking Travel Numbers for This Independence Day Weekend

Published on: June 30, 2016 | O'Connor Law

Travelers this holiday weekend will be out in full force. In fact, AAA is projecting that over 43 million people will be hitting the road, air, rails and waterways to celebrate Independence Day somewhere other than the comfort of their own home. That figure is the highest total of any previous year and exceeds this year’s Memorial Day total by 5 million.

Of the 43 million travelers, a whopping 36 million (84%) of them will be traveling on the roadways by car. That figure is a 1.2% increase over last year. AAA President and CEO, Marshall Doney, says that lower prices at the fuel pump are the reason for the increased traffic. “Spurred by the lowest gas prices since 2005, more people than ever are planning to travel this Independence Day weekend.”

And Doney is right. National gas prices, on average, are 47 cents lower than they were over 4^th of July weekend in 2015.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Published on: May 12, 2016 | O'Connor Law

After signing an official proclamation, Governor Tom Wolf has named May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. In 2015 alone, there were 3,400 crashes in Pennsylvania involving motorcycles. That number rose from 2014, but fortunately, the number of fatalities declined with a decade low of 179.

“Staying aware while driving or riding, obeying speed limits and being responsible will help keep fatalities and injuries as low as possible,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards in a news release earlier this month.

O’Connor Law wants to do their part to prevent motorcycle accidents. Follow these tips to help keep the roads safe:

Motorcycle Awareness Month

Published on: May 4, 2015 | O'Connor Law

May is a beautiful time of the year. The temperatures are rising, the sun sets later in the day, and people can be seen out enjoying the good weather. This also means that for our motorcycle riders across PA, it’s time to break out the bikes and go riding.

Drivers in our state probably haven’t seen many motorcycles out on the roads since we had such a long, harsh winter. It can be easy to get used to not having to check for motorcycles which is one of the main reasons why May is motorcycle awareness month.

This is the time of year that everyone needs to be reminded to check twice before turning or merging in case there is a motorcycle. Riders are harder to spot than cars or trucks and sadly most motorcycle injuries are caused by other drivers.

Drunk Driving

Published on: August 13, 2014 | O'Connor Law

Driving under the influence is one of the worst offenses that a driver can commit. Every day, people are getting killed and seriously injured after people decide to drive while intoxicated. These people who commit the dangerous crime of “driving under the influence” are putting themselves and other people at great risk.

In 2012, a man crashed his car in Rhode Island while he was driving while intoxicated. The crash caused the death of his girlfriend and the loss of his legs. The man was wanted in Florida prior to the crash for a probation violation related to drunk driving and not having a driver’s license. The man was charged for killing his girlfriend and for driving under the influence. He is currently waiting to be sentenced and he is facing 25 years in prison.

Drivers should always be aware of the dangers that occur on the roadway. Incidents that are similar to the one in Rhode Island happen every day in this country. Everyone should know that each crash does not just impact the people in the crash but their family, friends, coworkers and more. According to MADD.org, $132 billion is spent every year from the result of drunk driving.

Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with Jeep in Erie

Published on: August 13, 2013 | O'Connor Law

An accident that took the life of a motorcyclist in Erie is a stark reminder that all drivers must look out for motorcycles on the road.

According to an article on GoErie.com, a woman driving a Jeep Liberty struck a man on a motorcycle early last week in Union City. The crash took place about 2 PM at Wager Road. The woman stopped at an intersection and then proceeded to turn left, turning into the path of the motorcycle. When she realized she had pulled in front of the motorcycle, she swerved her vehicle sharply to the left. The motorcyclist tried to pass the Jeep on its driver’s side, but collided with the Jeep instead. The man was thrown from the bike, struck an embankment, and died instantly.

Where is the Most Dangerous Place to be on a Motorcycle?

Published on: June 12, 2013 | O'Connor Law

According to the Administration for National Highway Traffic Safety, on average 3 motorcycle riders are killed in multivehicle accidents at intersections every day! 46% of motorcycle crashes happen in this way. Sadly, it is the riders fault only 4% of the time.

The reason this is so common is because when people are making turns or other maneuvers at intersections, they will normally check around them looking for other vehicles, they are usually not looking for motorcycles. They may not notice the rider because they are much smaller than cars or trucks.

So how can you help avoid such a devastating accident when there is a 96% chance it won’t even be your fault? Here are a few tips:

May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Published on: May 24, 2013 | O'Connor Law

Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. As the weather begins to warm up here in Pennsylvania, we begin to hear the rumble and roar of motorcycles as they parade down our highways. So we’d like to take a moment to share an important message from our friends at the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) by reminding everyone that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the state.

During this month, ABATE encourages motorists and motorcycles to share the road safely and to “Look Twice to Save A Life.” When you see lawn signs that read “Watch for Motorcycles,” those have been placed by ABATE to help bring motorcycle safety and awareness to the forefront of everyone’s attention.

Earlier this month, Governor Tom Corbett proclaimed May at Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and said, “If car, truck and motorcycle operators follow simple steps like looking out for each other and obeying speed limits, we can work together to reduce the number of crashes and highway deaths we see each year.”