A Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Discusses the Dangers Of Riding Motorcycles During Memorial Day Weekend Traffic

Travelling over Memorial Day weekend is a time honored, American tradition. Across Philadelphia and surrounding areas, motorists will get behind the wheel to visit a variety of destinations. Roads and highways, which are already well-traveled in and around Philadelphia, are even more congested during the Memorial Day holiday. An increase in vehicles on the road means a greater likelihood of car and motorcycle accidents. The statistics tell us car and motorcycle crashes have jumped up compared to prior weekends in May. This begs the question: What are the most important factors that lead to an increase in accidents during Memorial Day Weekend? Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., is an experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer. He serves people who are injured in motorcycle accidents with a great deal of pride. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact our office for a free of charge consultation. 

What Factors Contribute Most Significantly To An Increase In Philadelphia Memorial Day Weekend Accidents?

Simply put, the more drivers on a stretch of road at a single time increases the likelihood of an accident taking place. Memorial Day is in Philadelphia, and the northeast generally marks a changing of the seasons. Cooler spring temperatures give way to warmer, wetter summer days. Trips to the beach, the local pool, or to see friends and family all occur with regularity over Memorial Day Weekend. 

Other risk factors include:

• Unfamiliarity with roads:  As more drivers travel over Memorial Day Weekend, you must also consider that they are in areas they are unfamiliar with. This results in motorists either driving too cautiously or overconfidently. 
• Inexperienced or distracted drivers: People who drive somewhat recklessly in their home areas come to a new place and do not adapt the way that they drive. On the other hand, certain drivers will be so cautious as to be a hazard themselves. 
• Drunk drivers: Drunk drivers are more common during holiday weekends than at other times. Unfortunately, intoxicated drivers are not uncommon on roads and highways on ordinary weekends. On holiday weekends like Memorial Day, that trend increases dramatically. Party goers and social drinkers get behind the wheel after a day or night of drinking, only to risk the lives of themselves and everyone on the road with them. 

How Can A Motorcyclist Decrease Their Chances Of Being Injured In An Accident?

A reality that motorcyclists are familiar with is that when an accident occurs, it is often difficult to avoid injury. Car accidents occur every day, and people involved often walk away without suffering any injuries. However, motorcyclists do not have nearly the protection surrounding them as compared to car and truck drivers. If you are riding your motorcycle and are struck by a car, you are almost certainly going to suffer an injury. 

Considering, what is the best way to avoid being involved in an accident in the first place? Before you leave your home to see friends, family, or simply to hit the open road, consider the following tips on avoiding an accident. 

Wear Proper Safety Gear

Safety gear is essential for a motorcyclist. A helmet that is rated for roadway travel is critical to your overall safety. It is one thing to suffer a broken bone in a motorcycle accident. A traumatic brain injury is an entirely different problem to have to recuperate from. Although it is not required in Pennsylvania to wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle, it is certainly recommended. 

Plan Ahead for Holiday Traffic

Traffic is a part of Memorial Day Weekend. There is no way of getting around it. It will take you longer to get from your starting point to your destination. Better to understand this, take your time, and follow all safety precautions and roadway laws. You could try leaving earlier to arrive at your destination when there are fewer people on the road. In any event, have a plan when it comes to handling the frustration that many of us have with increased traffic during holiday weekends. 

Avoid Riding at Night

Finally, consider that many, if not most, motorcycle accidents occur later at night. The dark of night means that you are more difficult to see as a motorcyclist. This is true despite you wearing reflective gear and having a motorcycle with functioning lights. Instead of driving at night, consider leaving early when the sun is coming up. People are less likely to be intoxicated, distracted, or sleepy in the morning than they are at nighttime. 

Where Can You Turn For Help After A Memorial Day Weekend Motorcycle Accident In Philadelphia?

Getting out on your motorcycle to take a drive during Memorial Day Weekend sounds like the most American activity you could ever think of. However, if that Memorial Day drive turns into a nightmare due to a serious accident, you’ll need to know where to turn for assistance. 

Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., is here to offer you helpful information if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident on Memorial Day Weekend or any other time of the year. 

Our team of experienced legal professionals understands the struggles you are facing: 

• physical pain
• mental anguish
• lost wages 
• job loss and disruption to your life

You deserve a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer who cares about you and your family. 

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today With A Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Our experienced team will answer your questions, explain the legal process, and help you make informed decisions about your next steps. We fight hard for the rights of accident victims and hold negligent parties accountable—both inside and outside the courtroom.

Don’t wait. Take control of your future. Call a Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer today to schedule your free consultation and start your path toward recovery.