There are plenty of motorcyclists in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. However, motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the roadway than those inside traditional passenger vehicles, particularly when a collision occurs. Here, we want to review when motorcycle accidents are more likely to happen on the roadways in the Commonwealth. This information is important, because motorcyclists can take extended precautions to remain safe when they operate their vehicles during these hours.
Motorcycle Accidents in Pennsylvania – When They Occur
According to data available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 3,398 total motorcycle crashes across the Commonwealth during the latest reporting year of data we have on file. Out of these incidents, there were 217 fatalities and 3,227 total motorcyclist injuries. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of motorcycle crashes result in an injury or a fatality, usually because a motorcyclist is much less protected on the roadway than those inside traditional passenger vehicles.
But when are these motorcycle crashes more likely to occur?
The Rush Hour Conundrum
The PennDOT does not break down the specific timing of motorcycle crashes across the Commonwealth. However, when we look at data available from the Insurance Information Institute (III), we can see that nearly 25% of all weekday crashes occur between the hours of 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
The reality is that the urban areas of Pennsylvania are going to present more challenges for motorcyclists than rural areas. Rush hour traffic can be brutal for any driver on the roadway, and this is particularly true for motorcyclists. Any motorcycle operator has to remain vigilant around intersections during rush hour traffic because these are areas of added congestion that could present risks for a motorcyclist.
Driving in the Evening and at Night
When the sun begins to set across Pennsylvania, the risk level for motorcyclists increases. Motorcycles are smaller, and they only have one headlight in one tail light. They are less likely to be seen than other vehicles on the roadway, both in rural areas and urban areas.
As the sun goes down, motorcyclists have to be aware that glare can affect other drivers and make them less likely to see an approaching motorcycle. Additionally, motorcyclists who wear dark clothing will be less visible after the sun completely sets.
What About Bad Weather?
Bad weather can affect motorcyclists regardless of what time of day it is. Anytime inclement weather strikes, this poses more challenges for motorcyclists than it does for those inside traditional passenger vehicles. Motorcyclists face direct exposure to hazards such as wind, hail, or rain, and this can decrease visibility for motorcyclists and those inside other vehicles. Additionally, during the winter months, motorcyclists should avoid operating their bikes if conditions call for snow or ice on the roadway.
Weekend Warriors
Data from the Insurance Information Institute indicates that motorcyclists are much more likely to be involved in accidents on the weekend between the hours of 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This is the time of the week when individuals can relax and enjoy operating these vehicles. More bikers are on the roadways during the weekend, and studies indicate that more motorcycle accidents occur over the two-day weekend than during all other five weekdays combined.