Recent fatal motorcycle accidents are raising awareness about rider safety

Several fatal motorcycle accidents, including one on East 38th Street, have drawn attention to rider safety.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), there were 66 motorcycle accidents in Erie County in 2023, 10 of which were fatal. At the beginning of summer it is important to be particularly vigilant on the roads.

As the weather warms, motorcycles start to hit the road again after months of storage.

Experts remind both cyclists and drivers to keep everyone safe. AAA’s public affairs director said the faster you drive, the deadlier an accident can be.

“It’s much more physically dangerous for a motorcyclist to be involved in an accident because they’re obviously not surrounded by everything the rest of us have in a car, the roof and the airbag, so they’re much more physically at risk said Jim Garrity, Director of Public Affairs, AAA.

Garrity said keeping distance is a key factor, distance gives response time in an emergency. He added that it is important to check blind spots and motorcyclists should do everything they can to make themselves as visible as possible.

Joe Askins, owner of Off Road Express, suggested bright colors, glasses and boots for extra protection and showed us the extensive inventory of safety gear.

“Plan to ride in case you fall,” Askins said. “It is a rider’s right to a helmet. I believe the helmet will help you and protect you. A jacket, either a leather or textile jacket with some gear or protective padding in it.”

Whether you’re a beginner or have years of cycling experience, Askins recommends taking one of her free safety courses.

“It gives you a break on your insurance, and if you’ve never ridden a bike before, there are a lot of rules and safety that you’ll benefit from,” Askins said.

Off Road Express is one of 31 locations across the state offering this two-week course. They spend half of the time in the classroom and the other half on a bicycle provided to them.

Drivers require approval to enroll and the final exam can lead to obtaining a license.

“They also have an intermediate and advanced course that would require a fee to attend. Riders of all skill levels participate throughout the summer,” Askins said.

“You have to be very aware of what’s happening on the roads in the summer,” Garrity said.

You can find more information about the free motorcycle safety program here.