We at Kreithen, Baron & Carpey go to great lengths to make sure you know the causes and statistics of accidents so that you may avoid them on the road. If you are new to motorcycles, or if you are interested in a review of the tenets of good riding, give this article a read. Here, we cover the fundamentals of braking, group riding, staying visible, and riding at night. Save it, print it, bookmark it: It may help to keep you and others safe.

Braking on Your Motorcycle

You should mostly apply the brakes as a means to slow down—rarely should you use the brakes to come to an abrupt stop as this can cause your bike to skid. Of course, some times you may have no choice but to skid and lay the bike down. In general, you should engage the front and rear brakes at the same time.

Coefficient of Friction: The coefficient of friction (or coefficient of traction) represents the amount that you are able to accelerate or brake on a given surface while maintaining your tire’s grip on the road. To accelerate to the point of “peeling out,” for example, is to exceed your bike’s ability to maintain a grip on the road. Likewise, if you apply the brakes too hard, you may cause your tires to “lock-up,” which means they no longer spin and, instead, slip along the surface of the road. The coefficient of friction is also determined by the condition of the road. Dry roads have an increased coefficient of friction while wet roads have a decreased coefficient of friction.

Braking on Dry Roads

The front brake being the more powerful, you should apply about 75% on that one while moving at speeds of over 20 MPH, applying the last 25% on your rear brakes. This is generally a good rule of thumb for dry road braking.

Braking on Wet Roads

You must exercise more caution on a slippery surface. For example, you will use the front brake less than on a dry surface, making the front/rear brake ratio about 50%/50%. Be aware: Even if it has not rained, morning dew can cause roads and painted road markings (like traffic lane indicators, crosswalks, and stop bars) to be very slippery. On a wet road, the coefficient of friction is significantly decreased, which makes it easier for your tires to slip. Always increase your braking distance on wet roads, and lightly apply your brakes every now and then just to test their grip on the road surface.

• Remember! Keep in mind that the first minutes of a rain storm are the most dangerous for riders. There is a good deal of oil in the road and, when it rains, the oil is brought to the surface, which increases the potential for slippage. As the rain continues to fall, however, the oil is washed away. For this reason, if you must ride in the rain, try to wait a while: even though the road will still be wet, the road oil will have had time to clear out.

Braking on Curves

You should remember not to apply the brakes on a curve unless it is necessary. Since you are leaning while taking a curve, pressing the brakes can be a bad move. But if you must press your brakes, press them lightly, especially in areas of low speed limits and sharp turns. If a motorcycle is going too fast, the tires could lose the grip needed to make the turn. Furthermore, you should always look ahead while taking a turn, never down.

Riding With a Passenger

When you take a passenger with you on your motorcycle, you must be prepared for the extra weight. This weight affects the way your bike handles, takes a turn and brakes.

        Things to remember when riding with a passenger:

• Your passenger should wear the same quality protection that you wear.

• Your passenger should hold tightly to you throughout the ride.

• When taking a turn, your passenger should lean with you.

Group Riding

When participating in a group ride, you should always try to ride with bikers who possess a skill set similar to your own. If you are riding with more than five other riders, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recommends splitting your group into smaller groups made up of two to three riders: this reduces the possibility of stragglers being separated from the group by red lights and traffic complications. Ultimately, smaller groups create a safer environment for you and other automobiles on the road.

Staggered Formation

When group riding, adopt a staggered formation, with the first bike on the left side of the lane and the second bike on the right side of the lane, alternating like this for every rider in the group. Remember to maintain a two-second distance from the biker directly ahead of you and a one-second distance from the biker to the left or right of you. That way, your group can maintain closeness while also affording enough space and time for you to react should anything unexpected occur.

Be Seen on the Road

Did you know that the most common motorcycle accidents involve a car or truck driver claiming they did not see the motorcycle? This is why it is of the utmost importance that you do your best to be seen on the road, both during the day and the night.

         Some tips to help you be seen on the road:

• You should use your headlights at all times. Even during the day, use  of headlights can help to make your presence known to other drivers.

• Wear bright colors as often as possible.

• Flash your breaks before you slow down. This is especially important if someone is tailgating you.

Riding at Night

Riding your motorcycle is certainly less safe at night than it is during the day, for obvious reasons. To increase your safety, you should consider driving slower and creating more of a distance between you and other drivers on the road.

Headlights

You should use your high beams as often as possible while driving at night. It also helps to pay attention to the lights of the car ahead of you—these lights can indicate the condition of the road ahead. For example, a bouncing taillight can mean that there are bumps or potholes in the road.

• Remember! Your single headlight can often blend in with the other headlights on the road, making it hard for other drivers to see you right away. Bear in mind that drivers may sometimes need an extra moment or two to notice you.

Large Vehicles

Riders should exercise caution around large trucks or other vehicles as a motorcycle can easily slip into a large vehicle’s blind spot. Do not try to pass unless you are sure the truck is not going to change lanes. If you do pass, do not linger next to the truck for very long.

For even more information on motorcycle accidents, check out our personal injury law articles section for articles on choosing motorcycle helmets and the major causes of accidents. Also consider requesting free copies of Stuart Carpey’s books Purchasing Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania and the 10 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Accident Case.

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, without a doubt; but to sit on a bike is to accept a higher level of danger than you would when driving a car or truck. It is important to be aware of the factors which often lead to collisions. In this article, we briefly describe some of the most common accidents between motorcycles and other vehicles, hoping that knowing what to expect will help you to avoid a crash. We also talk about some mistakes made by riders which can lead to accidents and injuries; namely, driving while intoxicated and driving in excess of the speed limit.

Common Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Getting “T-Boned”

One of the most common accidents between motorcycles and cars is getting T-boned. T-boning can occur at intersections when a car makes a left hand turn, pulling out in front of a motorcycle. The motorcycle hits the side of the car and the two vehicles, at the moment of impact, form a T shape. Vehicle drivers either completely fail to notice the motorcycle or disregard the motorcycle rider’s right-of-way. When a vehicle blows a stop sign or red light, a motorcycle can also get T-boned.

Getting Cut Off

As is the case with the T-bone, one of the most common causes of accidents for motorcycle riders is being cut off by a car or truck driver. This can include being forced out of a lane, having the lane suddenly obstructed by a driver making a hasty turn, or a driver pulling out of a parking spot without looking. Often this is a mistake on the other driver’s part—he or she simply was not aware of the motorcycle’s presence—but, even so, the motorcycle usually suffers the bulk of damage. Try to always maintain distance between your bike and other vehicles, and always try to avoid slipping into blind spots.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Intoxication

It is no secret that operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is extremely ill-advised but it is important to note that the danger of driving while impaired increases drastically when you are riding a motorcycle.

• The Facts: A report by the U.S Census Bureau says, in 2009, there were 4,593 country-wide motorcycle deaths, 1,314 of which involved riders who had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08%. That means that roughly 29% of all motorcycle accidents involved legally drunk riders. Staying sober will greatly help your chances of staying safe on a bike.

•  The Implied Consent Law: When you become a licensed driver in the state of Pennsylvania you automatically consent to taking one or more chemical tests if a police officer suspects you have been driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you refuse to take one of the three chemical tests—including breath, blood, and urine tests—you can face some serious penalties, even if it is proved that you were not under the influence.

Speeding

Speeding is often linked to the impaired driving statistics listed above, but speeding and alcohol intake are not universally linked. Sober drivers are of course common violators of the speed limit.

• The Facts: Another 2009 study by the US Census Bureau reported that there were 1,256 motorcycle deaths in Pennsylvania, 634 of which were speeding-related. This means about 50% of all motorcycle deaths were caused by drivers exceeding the speed limit.

For even more information on motorcycle accidents, check out our personal injury law articles section for articles on choosing motorcycle helmets and the major causes of accidents. Also consider requesting free copies of Stuart Carpey’s books Purchasing Auto Insurance in Pennsylvania and the 10 Biggest Mistakes that Can Wreck Your Accident Case.

A trauma center is a wing of a hospital designated for the treatment of traumatic injuries. Often, traumatic injuries are caused by severe accidents like car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slip and falls. The injuries which come as a result of these accidents will often require immediate and extensive medical attention. That is why a good Level I trauma center is an important staple in a community.

What do trauma center levels mean?

Every trauma center is designated a level which represents the center’s ability to treat severe injuries.

• Level I Trauma Center– Has an experienced staff of surgeons and other medical professionals on duty at all hours of the day, all week. Level I is the highest level of care provided by a trauma center: the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that a patient has a 20 percent higher chance of surviving if treated at a Level I trauma center.

• Level II Trauma Center– Works in support of Level I trauma centers. Level II centers provide specialists and surgeons on a 24/7 basis. The major difference between a Level I and Level II trauma center is that many specialists are on-call rather than in-house. Level Is also have a higher minimum requirement for annual patient in-take.

• Pediatric Trauma Center– A class of trauma center all its own. Pediatric trauma centers are rarer since they focus solely on the treatment of children, not adults. The most notable pediatric trauma center in the Philadelphia area is located in The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

The CDC reports that there are 45 million Americans who, when injured, do not have a Level I or Level II trauma center within an hour’s distance. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, has a plethora of trauma centers available to patients all over the state. Here are links to some of the best Level I trauma centers in Pennsylvania:

• Temple University – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – Pediatric Level I Trauma Center

• Albert Einstein Medical Center – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• Hahnemann University Hospital – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• Lehigh Valley Health Network – Adult Level I & Pediatric Level II Trauma Centers

• Allegheny General Hospital – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• St. Christopher Hospital for Children – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• St. Luke’s Hospital – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• The University of Pennsylvania Health System – Adult Level I Trauma Center

• York Hospital – Adult Level I Trauma Center

To find out where a trauma center is in location to you and your loved ones, check out this interactive map designed by the CDC. Just click on the state you live in, and the map will indicate your nearest trauma center.

Field Triage

Field triage is the process through which Emergency Medical Service (EMS) professionals decide whether to send a patient to an emergency room or a trauma center. To make sure that trauma care is being reserved for patients who really need it, the CDC regularly updates their guidelines for field triage. Some of the injury characteristics which will cause a patient to be transported to a trauma center are:

• Penetrating injuries to head, neck, torso, arm, or knee

• Chest wall instability or deformity

• Proximal long-bone fractures

• Crushed or mangled extremities

• Amputation

• Pelvic fractures

• Skull fractures

• Paralysis

For an in-depth look into trauma centers, please see the Center for Disease Control’s trauma center information page which offers details on the functions of trauma centers as well as helps you locate the trauma center closest to you. More information on traumatic injuries which can result in a visit to a Pennsylvania trauma center can be found on the Personal Injury Law Articles page of this website. The page provides information on everything from amputation injuries to rotator cuff tears.

We usually don’t notice black ice until it’s too late.  The ground looks fine, but one step and a serious injury can occur. Often, black ice means you are in for a fall.

Black ice is just like regular ice: it is frozen water, forming sometimes on roads and sidewalks as sheets (that’s why it’s so hard to spot).  Black ice results from drastic temperature changes: for example, black ice will form in the cooling off after a winter rain or snow shower (or the dreaded “wintry mix”).
Here are some tips for predicting black ice, even if you can’t see it.  Look for:

• Ice on your windshield, windshield wipers, or side view mirrors
•  “Frosting” on windows
•  Icicles hanging from trees, road signs, fences etc.
•  Ice in shaded areas (colder temperatures)
•  Slickness on bridges or other paved surfaces

A slip and fall on black ice can cause serious injuries, especially to the fine bones of the hands (see our article on wrist injuries caused by falls) or the tailbone. Ankle fractures are also common injuries from such a fall.  It’s always advisable to note your surroundings and to seek treatment for injuries following a slip and fall on ice.

There are many common injuries particularly affecting your wrists. There are eight carpal bones and a number of metacarpal bones, as well as several tendons, all small and intricately connected.  Most common are repetitive stress injuries, like from sewing, racquet sports, and typing. We often see clients who have sustained injuries to the wrist following a slip and fall accident. These are very common injuries, yet need early medical attention to avoid chronic and debilitating problems long term.

• Tendonitis of the wrist can be caused by arm injuries which stress the wrist; overuse; or introducing new, high-impact exercises
• Allowing the wrist to rest can ease tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by irritation in the nerves of the wrist— such repetitive actions as grasping with your hands, bending of the wrist (like on a desk/keyboard), and intense exercise (in sports such as tennis)
• Wrist sprains are often caused by a fall on outstretched hands (i.e., from trying to break your own fall)
• Colles fractures are fractures of the forearm bones near the wrist that also occur from forward falls
• The wrist is also susceptible to stretching and tearing in the ligaments and swelling in the tendons

Chronic pain can result from improper treatment or not allowing the wrist or bones adequate time to heal completely, particularly following a fall down accident Anti-inflammatory medications can help, but will not resolve the problem.  Injuries stemming from overuse can result in permanent nerve damage if they are neglected or misdiagnosed.  It’s advisable to seek treatment if you experience wrist pain, especially if it was caused by a fall.

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that offer support for the upper arm bone, also known as the humerus, attaching the bone to the shoulder to help with arm movement. When a rotator cuff tendon is torn, the cuff’s connection to the humerus is no longer as strong. This results in pain and an inability to lift or rotate your arm. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says millions of people see doctors because of rotator problems every year.

Two of the most common causes of rotator cuff tears that we see in our practice are from:

• Car accidents that cause a driver or passenger to thrown around the vehicle;

• Slip-and-falls in which the victim lands on an outstretched arm in an attempt to break the fall;

• Motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents where the biker is thrown from the cycle or bike.

Car accidents, slip-and-falls, motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents will often lead to acute tearing of the rotator cuff tendons. However, there is also a more gradual tearing of the rotator cuff which is called degenerative tearing. This can often be associated with sports and weight lifting; activities which wear on the arm muscles and tendons over time.

Sometimes it is difficult to know if the discomfort you are feeling is simple soreness or if it something more serious, like a rotator cuff tear. The following are some common symptoms of rotator cuff tears to help you understand the seriousness of your injury. Rotator cuff tears will often cause:

• Pain and/or weakness while raising or lowering your arm.

• Pain and/or weakness while rotating your arm.

• Pain while lying on your arm.

• Snapping or cracking sounds when attempting to move your arm.

If you are experiencing intense pain, or the discomfort you are feeling is continuous, you should seek medical attention. In diagnosing you, your doctor will examine your arm, shoulder, and neck to check for limited mobility or tender spots. Your doctor might also order X-ray testing or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to get a better view of your bones and muscles.

If your doctor finds either partial tearing or full-thickness tearing, he or she will decide whether to treat the injury non-surgically—meaning rest, medication, and physical therapy—or surgically.

For more information about arm and shoulder injuries, and other injuries, please see the Personal Injury Law Articles page on the Kreithen, Baron & Carpey website.

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Annual research conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that the year 2010 saw about 5,701 construction work injuries through all fields, including construction of residential and non-residential buildings. The BLS also reports that Pennsylvania is one of 28 states that saw an increase in workplace accidents from 2009 to 2010. From year to year, one of the most consistent causes of construction worker injuries and fatalities has been falling from roofs, scaffolding, ladders, or other equipment.

The 2010 study revealed that falling from ladders accounted for 20 percent of fall-related injuries, with falling from a roof being the next largest cause, amounting to 18 percent. With falling being such a serious risk among construction workers, it is important to use the proper precaution to ensure that you and those with whom you work remain safe on the job.

General Fall Prevention:

It is important for construction workers who work high off the ground to make use of fall arrest equipment; most notably, personal fall arrest equipment. Some major components of personal fall arrest equipment include:

• Body harnesses: Vest-like gear which attaches to a vertical and/or horizontal lifeline.

• Lifelines: Sometimes called webbing, lifelines can be vertical or horizontal, and attach to the worker’s harness to limit free fall distance in the event of an accident.

• Guardrails: Like scaffolding, guardrails are erected by workers to allow for no objects to slip through slats and fall to lower levels.

• Safety nets: Safety nets should always be used when workers are more than 25 feet above ground.

Preventing Falls from Ladders:

Since the most construction falls are from ladders, it is appropriate to set particular focus on ladder safety. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing and using a ladder for your work:

• Inspect the ladder: Check for defects which may indicate structural damage. For example, damaged or missing rungs, damaged or split side rails, and the absence of safety devices.

• Clean the ladder: Dirt, mud, or paint could increase chances of slipping or disguise other of the ladder’s deficiencies.

• Use the right ladder: Check the length of the ladder to make sure it can hold the weight needed to complete the job.

These are just some tips to stay safe from falling on a construction worksite. For information on scaffolding safety and standards, please see “Scaffolding Accidents Which Lead to Injury,” found on the Kreithen, Baron & Carpey website.

Crane Accidents

A 2008 fact sheet released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics purports that 42 percent of crane-related injuries are due to a worker being struck by an object falling from the crane. 20 percent of injuries are from workers falling from the crane. Other crane-related injuries include a worker being caught in the swing radius of the machinery and the machinery coming in contact with power lines. For these and other reasons, it is important for crane operators to observe safety regulations which include—but are not limited to—the following:

• Maintain an awareness of the crane’s controls and the maximum weight that the crane can lift. Do not push the machinery past its abilities.

• Check for structural damage and damage to ropes, hooks and chains. Keep the machinery in top condition.

• Close off areas within the crane’s swing zone. Never move a load above areas where there are workers.

• Keep all workers aware of the crane and its activities.

Forklift Accidents

With such wide use of forklifts in construction sites, warehouses, and other workplaces, observance of proper forklift procedure is essential to keeping workers safe. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says the most common accidents involving forklifts include the forklift turning over and crushing a part of someone’s body (particularly the foot). The following are some tips to ensuring forklifts and forklift operators are performing at the peak of safety:

• Allow only trained and certified workers who are over 18 years of age to operate a forklift.

• Inspect the forklift often for deficiencies and attachments/additions to the structure which could cause changes in the capacity and operation of the machinery.

• Do not raise or lower fork while forklift is in motion.

• Make sure paths are clear, and sound the horn when approaching intersecting lanes.

• Move slowly and patiently; most forklift accidents are caused when a forklift overturns or falls from a platform.

For more information on construction worker accidents and injuries, please see our articles on proper ladder safety and proper scaffolding safety, both of which can be found on the Kreithen, Baron & Carpey website.

Every year, there are hundreds of highway construction accidents which lead to worker deaths. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that highway construction accidents are responsible for about two out of every five worker fatalities. Along with falls to lower levels and being struck by objects, highway accidents are of the most frequent causes of construction worker deaths.

So what is so dangerous about highway roadwork? The BLS posits that being struck by a vehicle or some form of construction equipment is responsible for more than half of on-the-job fatalities. Whether intentional or accidental, these types of deaths and injuries are largely due to negligence on someone’s part, whether it is a passing driver or a fellow worker.

In 2001, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released an in-depth report offering suggestions on how to improve worker safety and decrease highway construction fatalities. The following are some of the CDC’s most useful suggestions on increasing worker and non-worker safety:

• Use temporary traffic controls: Use devices such as signs, warning devices, and concrete barriers in a consistent manner throughout the work zone.

• Train flaggers: Make sure that traffic flaggers are well-trained, knowledgeable of their responsibilities, remain communicative with supervisors, and maintain a safe distance from flow of traffic.

• Wear high-visibility apparel: All workers on foot should wear brightly colored safety apparel—including arm bands, hats, and vests—making sure to monitor colors and reflective attachments to keep the attire efficient.

• Safely operate equipment: Make sure all operators are trained and have valid driver’s licenses. Encourage regular safety checks, including use of checklists, and designate supervisors who are responsible for keeping equipment in good shape.

• Increase motorist education and speed enforcement: Make sure motorists are kept aware of upcoming work zones by using simple/brief warning signs well in advance. Take the signs down when workers are not present.

Construction worker injuries and fatalities are serious matters that affect hundreds of men and women every year. For more information on how to practice good worker safety, please see “Crane and Forklift Safety” and “Fall Down Accidents–A Common Source of Construction Injuries,” which are located on the Kreithen, Baron & Carpey website.

According to Medical News Today, there are about 4,000 deaths and more than 745,000 non-hospitalized burn injuries in the US every year. A burn can be a painful and debilitating ordeal, depending on the degree of the injury and its location on the body. There are three types of burns, each more severe than the last:

• First-degree burns: Also known as superficial burns. These are burns which affect only the outermost layer of the skin.

• Second-degree burns: Also known as partial thickness burns. These are burns which affect the outermost layer of the skin and the layer underneath it.

• Third-degree burns: Also known as full thickness burns. These are burns which affect all layers of the skin as well as tissues underneath. These burns often require skin grafts to protect tissue and initiate new skin growth.

There are many causes of burns, but for the purposes of a personal injury case, the most relevant burns are:

• Electrical burns: These are burns which occur as a result of direct contact with electricity. Those most commonly affected by these burns are construction and similar workers as they often deal with power lines or in-house electrical wiring.

• Thermal/contact burns: These are burns which are caused by contact with fire or flames; for example, on an open stove, a barbecue grill, a house fire, a fireplace, or a fire resulting from a car accident.

• Inhalation burns: These are burns or other injuries which come as a consequence of breathing in heat, fire, or smoke. Inhalation of hot air or flames can cause burn damage to nasal passages, the trachea, or the lungs. Smoke inhalation is harder to detect immediately but can lead to serious medical complications, or death, if not properly treated.

First-degree burns and some second degree burns can be self-treated using aloes, antibiotic ointments and pain relief medication. However, if you have experienced a particularly deep or painful burn, you should seek medical attention at once. For more information on injuries associated with construction accidents or motor vehicle accidents, please see our article on leg fractures or visit our Personal Injury Law Articles page.