NY and PA Motorcycle Lawyer: Make Your Motorcycle Helmet Last Longer

Posted on May 13, 2011 by admin

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Self-portrait in a Motorcycle Helmet 6/07/09

Image by dianecordell via Flickr

Whether you’ve invested in a new motorcycle helmet or you’re trying to get one more year out of your old favorite, the key to a longer life is proper care and storage.

Here are some tips to remember when it comes to caring and storing your helmet and cleaning it.

Caring for your helmet

Think before you set your helmet down. Where will it be safe? Don’t leave it on the saddle or hang it from rearview mirror, handlebars, clutch or brake lever, turn signal or back rest. The helmet could fall and hit the ground, often face shield first.

Arai’s Brian Weston offers these tips:

  • After each ride, wipe the helmet’s liner out with a damp cloth, just to remove any excess sweat or road grime from the surface.
  • When storing your helmet, even for short periods of time, keep the shield open and place the helmet on a slotted shelf, so air can flow freely and prevent odor buildup.
  • If your helmet is stored in a garage, where cats and dogs as well as other rodents could foul it, put it in the cloth sack that it came in (it will still let air pass through) and put it on a high shelf. Dogs and cats love to get at their owner’s helmets to lick the salt off the liner. Puppies love to chew the liner, too, and many have completely removed the interior of brand-new helmets.
  • A used dryer sheet, one that has 95 percent of the scent gone, placed in a helmet will help absorb odors and prevent static.
  • Cleaning road soot and bug guts from the shield pivot mechanism is always a good idea. It will prevent premature wear and also that annoying crunching sound as you open and close your shield. Doing this with the pre-storage wash is a good idea and perhaps again at mid-season, especially if you live where there are lots of bugs or road debris.

Cleaning your helmet

Be sure to follow your helmet manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning, and here are some general cleaning tips from Harley-Davidson and Zox Helmets:

Use a mild soap and water to wash the outer shell and clean the shield with warm water and a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as possible after dirt accumulates.

Hand wash the internal liners with mild soap or shampoo and allow to dry thoroughly.

Use compressed air to clear the helmet air vents and channels.

Don’t use solvents or chemicals to clean any part of the helmet or shield because they can destroy protective coatings and compromise the structural integrity of the helmet.

Don’t immerse the helmet in water.

Don’t use a dry cloth to clean debris from a face shield because you might scratch the shield.

Remember, it may take several days for your helmet to air dry.

Shoei Helmets offers a short video on how to properly clean your helmet. It’s worth checking out.

Thanks for reading.

Adam
______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

My book, “Would You Ride Your Motorcycle Naked?” is available FREE to New York and Pennsylvania bikers. Follow the link to order your copy today!

 

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NY and PA Motorcycle Lawyer: Fatal Motorcycle Accident Likely Caused By Wind

Posted on May 10, 2011 by admin

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When we head out on the road there are a lot of things we need to worry about.  Cagers and road conditions are probably the first two things that come to mind.  If I asked you to make a list of the things we need to worry about that list would get long pretty quick, but I would be suprised to find wind on your list.  I know it wouldn’t have been on mine until recently.

A recent motorcycle accident in Kansas that killed one Air Force airman and left two others critically injured is a stark reminder to all riders of the dangers posed by wind.

The sheriff’s department in Cowley County said the three airmen were riding on April 3, 2011, on a rural road near Dexter, Kan., when an apparent high wind gust blew the three motorcycles off a narrow S-curve into a deep ditch, according to The Associated Press.

The National Weather Service told the AP that winds were gusting to 45 mph in Cowley County at about the time of the accident.

A 30-year-old airman was pronounced dead at the scene. Two others, 22 and 38, were hospitalized in critical condition.

Residents in the Dexter area know it is a dangerous spot because of the wind and road conditions, but the three motorcyclists were from McConnell Air Force Base, which is near Wichita, the sheriff’s office told NBC affiliate KSN-TV.

Motorcyclists know that a strong gust of wind from the wrong angle at the wrong time can be enough to push us into oncoming traffic or off the road. It’s one of the many challenges we face every time we ride. That’s why its important to always leave a little room for the unexpected when riding in extremely windy conditions, especially if you are riding near your limits or the bike’s limits.

Here are some tips that may help you when you’re riding in high wind, from a motorcycle writer on Life123.com:

  • Paying attention to your surroundings. Look for trees and flags that are being blown by a strong wind and you’ll know that a gust is headed your way.
  • Avoid the sides of the road. Try to remain in the center of your lane.
  • Keep your body relaxed. Your arms should be bent and not stiff. If your arms are straight and tense and you’re gripping your bike, any movement of your upper body will cause your motorcycle to move as well.
  • Your lower body should be doing the work of holding you to your bike. Your legs should be squeezing the bike to hold you securely on. It’s tempting to stop giving your motorcycle gas but this isn’t a good idea because you lose the power you need to battle through the winds.
  • Try to stay low to give the wind less to hit. Keeping your center of gravity low will also allow you to keep better control of your bike.
  • If at any time you feel like you can’t control your motorcycle, pull over and either call somebody to come and get you or wait the conditions out. It’s always better to be safe than it is to risk yourself or your motorcycle.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the three motorcyclists.

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

Adam
______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

My book, “Would You Ride Your Motorcycle Naked?” is available FREE to New York and Pennsylvania bikers. Follow the link to order your copy today!

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NY and PA Motorcycle Lawyer: Make sure your new helmet fits properly!

Posted on May 6, 2011 by admin

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So the sun is out and the open road beckons, but you take a quick look at your favorite old helmet as you prepare to ride – and find it has seen better days.  Maybe it is scratched from that tumble off your handle bars last year, or may time and UV rays have taken their toll.  You absolutely have to replace your helmet after any type of motorcycle crash.  But sometimes we just want to get a new helmet for a new look or to take advantage of new technology.

Whatever the reason, you know what that means – before you can hit the road, you’ll have to go helmet shopping.

Earlier, we talked about the different styles of helmets and how to inspect your helmet.

Today, it’s time to shop. There is a lot more to doing it right than finding your favorite color or the hottest new look. The right fit is the key to the effectiveness of any helmet.

First, don’t forget that all helmets fit differently, so always try a helmet on before you purchase it.

Here is a basic guide to help you buy the safest helmet:

  1. Hold a tape measure about one inch above your eyebrows. This will indicate the size of the helmet you should start with. If your measurement falls between two sizes, try the larger size first.
  2. Put the helmet on and fasten the chin straps securely so there is no space between your brow-line and the inner lining.
  3. Test the fit and the retention system by moving your head from side to side and front to back. You should feel the skin on your head move with the helmet. The helmet should fit as tightly as you can comfortably wear it, because the helmet’s inner liner will compress with use.
  4. With the chin strap securely fastened, you should not be able to roll the helmet forward, off your head. If you can, the helmet is too large. You should try on the next smaller size.
  5. Wear the helmet for at least 15 minutes prior to purchase to ensure there are no uncomfortable pressure points. If you experience uncomfortable pressure points, try on a helmet that is one size larger.
  6. If you typically wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, bring them along to ensure that they will fit without causing pressure points at your ears and the bridge of your nose.
  7. Once you have found a proper fitting helmet, remember to check your range of vision to the left, to the right, up and down, to ensure that no part of the helmet obstructs your field of vision.

Now that you know what size and brand of helmet fits you best, you can pick out one that looks good, too.

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

Adam
______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

My book, “Would You Ride Your Motorcycle Naked?” is available FREE to New York and Pennsylvania bikers. Follow the link to order your copy today!

COMING NEXT: How to care for and store your new helmet.

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NY and PA Motorcycle Lawyer: When it comes to helmets, what’s your style?

Posted on April 11, 2011 by admin

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Open-face helmet.

Image via Wikipedia

Whether you’re a new rider or a grizzled vet, choosing a new helmet can be a challenging task.  There are so many choices on the market today – everything from fiberglass skid lids to kevlar modulars.  Having all those color, style and decoration choices is great, but it can also be confusing.  Choosing the right helmet – one that fits well, is comfortable and matches your riding style is important.  It could be a matter of life or death, so don’t let looks alone determine your choice.

A helmet that meets the federal government’s standards will offer significant protection. Make sure any style you look at has the Department of Transportation sticker on it because this government standard requires that a helmet be able to absorb a significant impact, prevent most penetration and have a fastening system that will withstand great force.  The SNELL designation is another choice some riders look for, but remember that a SNELL approved helmet alone is insufficient in NY.  It must be DOT approved to be legal in NY.

Finally, before you start comparing styles, remember the laws in New York and Pennsylvania. Operators and passengers are required by law to wear helmets in New York State. Protective eyewear is also required if the helmet does not have integrated eye protection.

Pennsylvania law requires operators or riders under 21 to wear helmets. Operators 21 and over who have been riding for at least two years or have completed an approved safety course are not required to wear helmets.

The styles

You will notice four basic styles when you shop for helmets:

  • Half Helmets: They are cool in hot weather, but they offer only basic protection because they cover the least amount of head area. And don’t forget, you’ll have to wear protective eyewear with a half helmet.  Anyone who has ever had a rock kicked up by a car in front of them and bounce of their helmet at highway speeds knows exactly why eye protection is required.  Half helmets come made of different materials and in many different styles, but double check for their DOT certification.  There are many, many half helmets out there that are considered novelty helmets and are NOT DOT approved.
  • Three-Quarter Helmets: The next step up in coverage offers more protection for the back and sides of your head. Most come with a venting system to keep you cool, and some come with face shields or snap-on visors.  Different visor systems are available from many motorcycle equipment suppliers, as the 3/4 helmet style has increased in popularity in recent years.
  • Full-Face Helmets: This is your best protection for your face and head. It comes with a flip-up shield and offers all-season comfort with a ventilation system.  Full face helmets tend to be the quietest, and are a good match for integrated blue tooth devices for that reason.  Because they are the safest, full face helmets are very popular, and come in wide range of prices, styles, colors, designs and shapes priced to fit ant head and any budget.
  • Modular Helmets: This option gives you a combination of the benefits of the full face and three-quarter helmets. You can flip up the face and chin module to easily remove the helmet or allow full face exposure.  The shield also flips up when the chin piece is down, to allow for ventilation or to exchange a few words with fellow bikers at a stop light.

Only you can determine what kind and style of helmet is right for you.  But with so many choices available on the market, there is no excuse for wearing one that doesn’t look good and fit you even better!

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

Adam
______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

My book, “Would You Ride Your Motorcycle Naked?” is available FREE to New York and Pennsylvania bikers. Follow the link to order your copy today!

COMING NEXT: How to properly fit a new helmet.

SEE ALSO: Is your helmet ready to ride?

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NY and PA Motorcycle Lawyer: Is Your Motorcycle Helmet Ready To Ride?

Posted on April 6, 2011 by admin

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Photo © by Jeff Dean

Spring is in the air, and to motorcyclists in New York and Pennsylvania, that means one thing – After another LONG winter it’s finally time to put the shovels away and get ready to ride!

Most bikers give their bikes a thorough spring check-up, and they should, but what about your helmet?

As a motorcycle accident lawyer, I see first hand the protection helmets can provide.  Bikers who wear a properly fitted full face helmet may have bruised, broken and scraped up bodies, but their faces are still in one piece.  I have also seen bikers with half helmets or skid lids have their face chewed up by the road.  Regardless of what type of helmet the biker is wearing or what the circumstances of the collision may be, the one constant is that when a biker hits the road, their head hits the road.  The quality and condition of that helmet determines the extent of injury the biker will sustain to their face and head.

So, knowing that your helmet is the last line of defense between your head and the road, it sure makes sense to spend a couple minutes checking over your helmet at the start of the season.  Here’s how you should do it.

Be sure to give your helmet a careful visual inspection for damage. Look for cracks and chips on the outer shell and face shield, then check the inside of the shell for damage. Check the liner and padding for signs of wear.

Then check the retention system, or chin strap, for signs of fraying, damage or wear.

If any trouble spots are evident during your visual inspection, perhaps it’s time to replace your helmet. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends replacing helmets, even if they are not damaged, every two to four years. When did you buy your last helmet?

If you’ve dropped the helmet or the helmet has suffered any impact, it should be replaced immediately. The impact may have damaged the impact-absorbing liner, and that damage may not be evident in your inspection.

Remember that a helmet’s protective impact-absorbing liner gets flattened with use, often leading to improper fit and helmet deterioration that can pose unanticipated dangers to you. Hair oil, sweat and even the sun’s UV rays can add to that deterioration.

Wearing a good helmet saves lives. Operators and passengers are required by law to wear helmets in New York state. Pennsylvania law requires operators or riders under 21 to wear helmets. Operators 21 and over who have been riding for at least two years or have completed an approved safety course are not required to wear helmets.

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

Adam
______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

My book, “Would You Ride Your Motorcycle Naked?” is available FREE to New York and Pennsylvania bikers. Follow the link to order your copy today!

COMING NEXT: A look at the different helmet styles.

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Drunk Driver Who Severely Injured Elmira Motorcyclist Gets 1-3 Years In State Prison.

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Adam M. Gee, Esq.

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Eleven months ago Mike Frawley was just like you and me.  He was a biker out for a ride; sharing the road, obeying the traffic laws, enjoying freedom on two wheels.  Little did he know his life was about to change forever.  As Mike was cruising along on his motorcycle, someone else was about to join him on the road; but this person wouldn’t be sharing the road or obeying the traffic laws.  As Mike Frawley was cruising down the road, Debra Wylie was stumbling out of a bar and fumbling for her keys.  She managed to get the keys in the ignition and start her Jeep even though her blood alcohol was more than 1 1/2 times the legal limit at 6:00 in the afternoon.

Despite her intoxication, Debra Wylie managed to get her Jeep onto the road.  Wylie and Mike Frawley were headed in opposite direction  – in life and on the road.  Mike was a young father with everything to live for and a family who relied on him.  Debra Wylie was a 58 year old woman drunk at 6:00 in the afternoon.  Mike was headed north on College Ave, in Elmira Heights, NY.  Ms. Wylie was headed south.  As each approached the intersection with 13th Street from opposite directions, they each had a green light.  Mike intended to continue straight through the intersection, while Ms. Wylie intended to turn left across Mike’s path.  Ms. Wylie was required to yield to Mike, to turn only when it was safe to do so.  Due to her drunken state she never even saw Mike coming.  She turned in front of Mike when he was so close to the intersection that there was nothing he could do to avoid striking the Wylie vehicle.  In the blink of an eye, Debra Wylie’s selfish intoxication changed Mike’s life forever.

Mike was thrown up and over the handlebars of his motorcycle and head first into the side of Ms. Wylie’s Jeep.  While Debra Wylie was stumbling and slurring as the police officers interviewed her, Mike was rushed to the hospital in the back of an ambulance with sirens wailing.  While Debra Wylie was having handcuffs placed on her wrists, Mike was having a hole drilled in his skull in an attempt to relieve the pressure from a subdural hematoma.  While Debra Wylie was taken to the Chemung County Jail, Mike lay in a medically induced coma.

11 months later, Mike and Debra Wylie are still headed in opposite directions.  Mike is slowly trying to put his life back together between ongoing doctors appointments and physical therapy.  He isn’t anywhere close to 100% yet, and likely never will be, but he continues to improve.  Debra Wylie is starting a new life as well, courtesy of the NYS Department of Corrections.  She appeared in front of the Chemung County Court today, and was sentenced to 1-3 years in state prison.  If only Mike’s sentence would end so soon.

Mike is a client of mine.  He’s the nicest guy you would ever want to meet, and has a beautiful little daughter.  Its a shame that he can’t remember her early years because of the injuries he sustained.  Hopefully his body will heal to the point where he can go back to work soon, as the forced inactivity is driving him crazy.

WETM – did a story on the sentencing today – click the link or read the full story below.

Thanks for reading, and please don’t drink and drive!

Adam
______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

My book, “Would You Ride Your Motorcycle Naked?” is available FREE to New York and Pennsylvania bikers. Follow the link to order your copy today!

Drunk Driver Sentenced after Crash

Reported by: Brittni Smallwood
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Published: 2:00 pm
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Updated: 2:30 pm
Elmira, N.Y. – Last May, 58 year old Debra Wylie’s jeep slammed into Michael Frawley’s motorcycle at the intersection of College Avenue and 13th Street.

Her blood alcohol content was 0.13.

In October, she plead guilty to vehicular assault and two counts of DWI.

On Monday, Wylie was sentenced in Chemung County Court to 1 to 3 years in state prison.

During the crash, 30-year-old Frawley crashed into Wylie’s Jeep head on and was thrown from his motorcycle.

As a result, he suffers brain damage and cannot perform normal everyday functions.

“I have no remembrance of my daughter growing up. I don’t remember feeding her, changing her, none of it. I don’t have memory of ever getting married” said Michael Frawley, the victim.

Frawley’s mother said even though her son could walk into the courtroom, his life will never be the same.

“(He’s a) totally different person, then he used to be. He used to be funny, a comedian” said Robin Butters, Frawley’s mother. “I don’t know, apart of you dies when something like that happens. You never get it back”.

Wylie will pay more than $95 thousand dollars in restitution fees.

Her lawyer had no comment after Monday’s sentencing.

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NY Motorcycle Lawyer: Be Careful On Your Spring Rides!

Posted on March 18, 2011 by Adam M. Gee, Esq.

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Elmira, New York

Spring is officially here!  Here in Elmira, NY where I live and practice, it is 67 degrees and sunny!  After days of thinking about it, I decided to get the bike out and go for a ride!  It felt great to be back in the saddle, but I was reminded of the dangers of spring riding at the first stop sign.  I went to put my foot down, and my foot almost slid out from under me.  There were rocks everywhere.  It got me thinking about some of the dangers we face in the spring that are a little different than the rest of the year, so I thought I would put a list together for everyone to think about as we get the bikes back out.

• Loose stones at intersections – as I said above, they almost got me at the first stop sign.  Those little stones roll right out from under the foot when you put it down at a stop.  Every intersection I came to was a minefield of stones.  Keep your eyes peeled for a good place to come to a stop and a safe place to put your foot down as you approach intersections.

• Loose stones everywhere else!  It’s still early in the season.  All winter long those salt trucks have been dropping stones along with the salt.  It will still be awhile the natural action of cars and trucks sweeps these stones to the side.  It will also be a while before the street sweepers are out to vacuum them up.  In the meantime those stones are piled up in places we least want to see them  – the corner and the right side of the lane.  For the time being, its not a bad idea to stay to the left side of the lane and go easy in the corners – there is no guarantee traction will be there when you need it.

• Salt water is slippery!  We’ve had a couple rains since the last time salt trucks were on the road, but there is still some salt on the roads.  If you are out riding in the rain or other times there is moisture on the roads look out.  Salt water is slippery – and you won’t have the traction you might expect to have.  After a couple more hard rains the salt should be gone for the season.

• Potholes, potholes everywhere – Salt, freezing temperatures and snow plows do a number on the roads.  What might have been a small crack in the pavement last fall could be a pothole big enough to swallow your bike by spring.  We have a tendency to relax and maybe not pay full attention to the road surface when we are on our favorite roads.  Don’t assume that favorite route will be in the same condition it was in back in October!  You may find a giant pothole in your path as you lean in to that turn.

• Cagers!  They are still out there, and they are still trying to kill us.  They are more dangerous than ever at this time of year, as they haven’t seen a bike in months and have pretty much forgotten about us.  They are still talking on their cell phones, eating while driving, and doing everything BUT paying attention to where they are going.  Give them even more room than normal at this time of year, and make sure they see you before you put yourself in harm’s way.

I know there are plenty more seasonal dangers I haven’t listed – leave a comment and tell me what they are – I’m getting back on the bike!

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

Adam
______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

My book, “Would You Ride Your Motorcycle Naked?” is available FREE to New York and Pennsylvania bikers. Follow the link to order your copy today!

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In Pennsylvania, Cell Phone Using Drivers Could Face Punitive Damages

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Adam M. Gee, Esq.

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We see them every day – its seems like the driver of every 3rd car on the road is distracted.  Some are talking on their cell phones, some are texting.  Some are checking their e-mail or surfing the web.  Some are doing all of the above!  But all of them are distracted, and they put the rest of us in danger.  As an injury attorney who represents people injured by distracted drivers, it makes me angry.  As another driver on the road, distracted drivers make me nervous.  As a motorcyclist, distracted drivers scare the hell out of me!

Study after study shows that distracted drivers are just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than drunk drivers. But people who would never consider driving drunk don’t even think twice about pulling out their cellphone and updating their facebook status while cruising down the highway at 80 mph.

We all know the behavior is dangerous.  We all know the behavior is illegal.  Now, Pennsylvania has made it possible to punish distracted drivers for their dangerous behavior.

In most injury cases, the victim is entitled to be fully fully reimbursed for their economic damages as well as non-economic damages like past and future pain and suffering, but juries aren’t allowed to punish the defendant by awarding the Plaintiff more money.  Punitive damages are just that – an award of money to the Plaintiff which is meant to punish the Defendant for particularly egregious behavior.  Punitive damages are rarely allowed – they are reserved for those cases where a Defendant’s behavior is so careless as to be considered “reckless”.

A recent case in Pennsylvania (Deringer v. Li, No. GD10-019081 pending in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County) has cleared the way for punitive damages to be imposed in cases where a distracted driver causes an accident.  The reasoning behind this decision is that the dangers of using a cell phone while driving are so well known and the extent of the distraction necessary to engage in those activities is so great that the behavior goes beyond mere negligence and constitutes reckless behavior.  While this is a wonderful decision for Plaintiffs, it is far from the end of the story.  Ultimately, it will be up to a jury to decide whether to award punitive damages, and if there is an award it will be subject to judicial review. But the threat of punitive damages alone may be enough to change someone’s behavior.

Unfortunately, sometimes it takes the threat of something like punitive damages to get people to change their behavior.  Pennsylvanians now face a very real threat that their careless, reckless behavior could result in punitive damages.  Hopefully New York follows Pennsylvania’s lead.

Please don’t use your cell phones while driving.  The lives of my kids and your kids may depend on it.

Thanks for reading, and drive safe!

Adam
_______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Injury and Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY  14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

Visit the NY Injury Law Blog at www.NYInjuryLawBlog.com!

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NY Motorcyle Accident Lawyer: Bikers Are Rough And Tough – And Generous?

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Adam M. Gee, Esq.

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The public doesn’t always hold bikers in the highest regard.  Whether you are a sport bike rider with a helmet to match your bike, a long range cruiser with more luggage on your bike than the average plane, or a weekend cruiser with facial hair and leather, we are likely to receive disapproving looks wherever we go.  We are immediately suspected of being bad citizens and bad characters just because we choose to ride on two wheels rather than four.  We get the evil eye from counter clerks, and elderly ladies scurry out of our way like we might bite.

While people’s response to bikers can be funny at times, in general it is just annoying.  We are being stereotyped, and just like most stereotypes, they are often dead wrong.

As a group, we bikers are some of the most caring and generous people I know.  We are quick to extend a helping hand, or stop on the side of the road to help out a fellow biker.  Summers are filled with one charity ride after another, for everything from a sick child to an elderly person with cancer.  Memorial rides, charity rides, toy rides and poker runs are all regularly attended by bikers.  Despite all our charity, though, we still get that evil eye.

The Harley-Davidson family of customers, dealers, employees and suppliers recently took charity to a whole new level.  They presented a contribution of $3.3 million dollars to the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. The 2010 contribution marks the 30th year Harley-Davidson has supported MDA, and brings its cumulative fundraising to more than $76 million.

Harley-Davidson fundraising activities for the Muscular Dystrophy Association included pledge rides, dealer fundraisers, motorcycle raffles, Black and Blue Ball fundraising dinners and commemorative pin sales. Funds raised support MDA summer camps, life-saving research and comprehensive medical care for children and adults with neuromuscular disease. These efforts have again placed the company among the top corporate donors to MDA this year.

Harley-Davidson has been a national sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1980. This longstanding partnership started with the simple notion of “Bikers Ride for MD” and has resulted in millions of dollars being raised to help MDA and the children and adults it supports.

Harley-Davidson is far from the only motorcycle manufacturer to engage in significant charity activity, and generosity is certainly not limited to just those that ride Harleys.

The next time you see a biker on the road give him some space.  He may be on a charity ride for someone’s child. The next time you see a biker in the store – instead of giving him the evil eye – consider giving him a hug.  His charity work could save the life of someone you love.

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

Adam
______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

My book, “Would You Ride Your Motorcycle Naked?” is available FREE to New York and Pennsylvania bikers. Follow the link to order your copy today!

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NY and Pa Motorcycle Attorney Warns: Motorcycle Accidents are Doubled in Rochester and Beyond

Posted on September 14, 2010 by Adam M. Gee, Esq.

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A startling statistic out of Rochester reflects a warning trend to all motorcyclists: Accidents for bikers are on the rise, in our region and the nation as a whole.

The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reported on the local and national trend in the recent story, “Motorcycle deaths climb this year in Rochester area.” The story has both anecdotal and statistical evidence supporting this dangerous and tragic trend.

The Affeldts, Brad and Beth, a couple in their 40′s, were mentioned in the story. They were responsible people, whose teenage daughter says she frequently kidded about the danger of their “mid-life crisis” motorcycle. They were both seriously injured on a 5-minute ride for ice cream last week. Brad lost a foot and Beth was in an induced coma with brain swelling.

The Affeldts’ accident is one of at least eight very serious motorcycle accidents in the area this year. According to the news story, that’s nearly double the typical annual rate of 3 to 4 very serious motorcycle accidents annually in the region. It also matches a country-wide trend, a climb in motorcycle fatalities over a 10-year period, as tracked by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What’s causing the extra motorcycle accidents?

  1. Lack of experience: There are more motorcycles on the road, and the bikers driving them have less training, according to riding instructors.
  2. A longer riding season: Spring was very warm, so more bikers were out earlier.
  3. More motorcycles on the roads: Registrations for motorcycles are up as much as 30 percent in some  New York state counties. And tying back into the lack of experience factor, at least 1 in 5 of the new riders have zero training.
  4. Preventable errors: intoxicated drivers and bikers, operator error, and careless car drivers have all contributed to area motorcycle accidents this year.

Facts and figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

This sidebar of NHTSA statistics was included with the Rochester story. There are some very sobering numbers in here:

  • In 2008, 5,290 motorcyclists were killed nationwide — up 2 percent from 2007; 96,000 were injured.
  • Helmets saved an estimated 1,829 motorcyclists’ lives in 2008.
  • Motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.
  • Motorcycles made up nearly 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States in 2007.
  • The fatality rate for motorcyclists in 2007 was 6 times that for passenger car occupants.
  • In 2008, 2,387 two-vehicle fatal crashes involved a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 41 percent of these crashes, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing or overtaking the vehicle.
  • One of four motorcycle riders in fatal crashes in 2008 had an invalid license.
  • Forty-three percent of the 2,291 motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2008 had blood alcohol levels at or over the legal limit, as did 64 percent of those killed in single-vehicle crashes on weekend nights.

What to take away from this

Going strictly by the numbers, there are some simple precautions that could make a difference in your safety on a motorcycle.

  1. Get trained to ride your motorcycle: Visit the Motorcyle Safety Foundation web site to find an affiliated training program in the area.  They have classes for new and experienced riders
  2. Be particularly careful around intersections: More than 40 percent of motorcycle/car accidents occurred when a car turned left at an intersection. Drivers can’t be trusted to see you.
  3. Don’t drink and ride your motorcycle. I can’t emphasize this enough. We hear it all the time, but it is still the root cause of more than 40 percent of motorcycle accidents with no other vehicle involved.

Thanks for reading, and ride safe!

Adam
______________________________
Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com

My book, “Would You Ride Your Motorcycle Naked?” is available FREE to New York and Pennsylvania bikers. Follow the link to order your copy today!

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