Sharing the Road: Hazards for Summertime Recreation

Recently, two bicyclists in downtown Pittsburgh were struck by an SUV that hit the two men and continued driving. The two Children’s Hospital doctors suffered serious injuries, including a concussion, facial fractures, and a broken leg, hip, shoulder, and arm. This accident is an example of what can happen when bicyclists and vehicles do not share the road in a responsible and safe manner.

As the summer begins and the weather improves, many people will gravitate outside to run, bike, walk, and spend time with their families. Although this can provide an excellent outlet for fun and recreation, it can also lead to potential bicycle and pedestrian accidents. When driving this summer, be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists on the road, especially small children that may not be easily seen. By being alert and considerate and sharing the road, you will avoid serious injuries and complications to those around you. If you plan to bike or run this summer, wear bright colors and make sure that you give appropriate and clear turning signals with your arms so that drivers know when and where you intend to turn.

Attorney Douglas V. Stoehr works with clients who have been injured in pedestrian and bicycle accidents. If you would like a consultation regarding your personal injury, please contact our law office.

Helmet Laws May Change in Coming Months

A new piece of legislation by State Representative Dan Frankel (D) is working to reverse a 2003 law that allows motorcycle riders over 21 to ride without a helmet, given that they completed an official motorcycle safety course sanctioned by the state. This new piece of legislation would require that all riders, regardless of age, be required to wear a helmet while riding their motorcycle. In addition to this bill, two other bills relating to motorcycle use were also addressed—one proposing that motorcyclists who do not wear a helmet will have to purchase additional insurance, and another that would require different license plates for motorcycle riders under 21 years old. The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives will be reconvening in June to discuss new legislation, and this piece will most likely be discussed among the other bills.

Wearing a helmet is a common safety procedure that this law office feels should be followed at all times to protect yourself, whether you are on a bicycle or a motorcycle. However, we recognize that, at this time, mandatory helmet laws for those over 21 are not yet in effect. We also strongly feel that motorcyclists, cars, and bicyclists should share the road in a responsible and respectful manner. If you are a motorcyclist who has been wrongfully injured in a motor vehicle accident and may suffer from a spinal cord, brain, or other serious injury, please contact our law office for a consultation at no cost to you.

Safe Driving Over Holiday Weekends

A recent news article by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that there were a large number of accidents on Pennsylvania highways over Memorial Day weekend, killing 13 people and injuring 294 others. In addition to the increase in accidents and injuries, there were 357 DUI arrests and 7,934 speeding tickets.

We cannot stress to you enough how important it is to remain safe and alert while driving during periods of increased motor activity, especially summer holiday periods like Memorial Day, 4^th of July, and Labor Day. Motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents can be easily prevented with a few simple, common-sense tips:

1) BE ALERT. Do not drive while fatigued.

2) BE FOCUSED. Do not be distracted by others in the car, do not use your cell phone while driving, and especially do not text while driving.

3) BE DEFENSIVE. While you may be a responsible and respectful driver, this does not mean that everyone you are sharing the road with is also a good driver. Be alert for aggressive drivers, those who frequently switch lanes or swerve, or those who are tailgating others.

4) BE SAFE. Always wear your seatbelt. In 5 of the 13 deaths recorded this weekend, the victim was not wearing their seatbelt. Additionally, do not consume alcohol before driving or get into a car with a driver who has been drinking. 83 of the 808 crashes this weekend involved alcohol.

Douglas V. Stoehr works with clients who have been injured in motor vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents. If you feel that you have been wrongly hurt in an accident, please contact our office for a free consultation. Safe driving and here’s to the start of long-overdue warm weather and a great summer!