July 30, 2010
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently ran an article in its Pittsburgh Rides section about drinking and riding. I was happy to see this because I think the dangers of drunk driving and "drunk biking" can't be discussed enough. The article specifically addresses bike nights at bars and presents three eye-opening statistics from PennDOT's Live Free Ride Alive website: - Nearly half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol
- Intoxication had a greater impact on injury severity than any other factor
- If you ride and speed after drinking, you're more than 18x more likely to die in an accident
The author acknowledges the importance of bike nights, and I agree that bikers should have a place to go and enjoy the company of other bikers. However, I also wholeheartedly agree with her stance that the alcohol should be saved for once you're at home with your bike safely stored away. She astutely points out that, "...while you probably wouldn't dream of chugging a six-pack in your garage before hopping on your bike, in the party atmosphere of bike night...it's easy to overdo."
This observation is very true, whether applied to bikers or drivers. Social atmospheres encourage behavior you wouldn't otherwise consider, from drinking more than usual, to getting into a car or onto a bike after consuming alcohol, to driving or riding recklessly. That's why you should make arrangements to get home safely before you head out to a bar night. Once you've started drinking, chances are you'll be willing to take more risks than normal, so tell others what your game plan is and then stick to it.
You can visit PennDOT's site for additional information, including a ride planner, and my firm's site has info on motorcycle helmet laws, insurance requirements, and more. Please be safe and ride sober!
July 14, 2010
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
My firm is a proud sponsor of this year's Roar on the Shore, happening July 15-17 in Erie, PA. The rally features rides, custom motorcycles, bands, contests, clothing vendors, and more. If you're at Roar this weekend, make sure to stop by the SafeNet Booth in the Perry Square hub – you can register for your chance to win a free Flip Slide HD camcorder that my firm is giving away. Don't forget that everyone can pick up a free Edgar Snyder & Associates kickstand pad at the booth as well. We hope to see you at Roar on the Shore this weekend!
May 24, 2010
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
 I recently did a motorcycle commercial shoot and it was a great time – I met a bunch of bikers, saw some amazing bikes, and am looking forward to the motorcycle events my firm will be sponsoring throughout the summer.
First up is Thunder in the Valley which will be happening June 24 – June 27 in Johnstown, PA. There's a lot to do at Thunder – scenic rides, tons of food, clothing and accessories for sale, live music, and more. If you're there, make sure you stop by the Welcome Tent. My firm will be giving away kickstand pads AND you can register for a chance to win a Flip Slide™ HD camcorder. After that it's Roar on the Shore from July 15 – July 17 in Erie, PA. Like Thunder, it will include rides, bands, bike contests, custom motorcycles, and vendors selling accessories and clothing. We'll be giving away the kickstand pads and a Flip there as well. You can go to the SafeNet Booth at the hub in Perry Square to register for a chance to win the Flip and pick up the kickstand pad. Finally, I told you about our partnership at First Niagara Pavilion right outside of Pittsburgh in a previous post. During their summer concert series, our firm will be handing out kickstand pads and a motorcycle resource guide in the motorcycle parking lot. Make sure you pick up the resource guide – it contains a lot of useful info like helmet laws and insurance requirements. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
May 06, 2010
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
 According to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bikers are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in an accident per miles traveled.
Statistics like this are why motorcycle safety awareness is so important. There are a number of factors that affect motorcycle and biker safety, from poor road conditions to enforcement of laws to distracted drivers. The key is that everyone, bikers and other motorists alike, does their best to keep all travelers as safe as possible. Here are some resources to get you started: Motorcycle Safety Tips – a comprehensive list that includes recommendations for drivers on safely sharing the road, motorcycle maintenance, riding gear, and more The Importance of Defensive Biking – an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about how bikers should react to challenges on the road State-by-state Motorcycle Helmet Laws – know the laws where you live and where you'll be riding State-by-state Insurance Laws – learn your state's requirements Make Sure Your Bike is Safe – another good article from the Post-Gazette that you should read before you ride Please be careful out there, and remember, ride safe and sober!
April 12, 2010
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
A few days ago I posted safety tips for bikers and other motorists, and today I'd like to follow up with another motorcycle-related safety issue. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had an article recently on a topic that I think is a good reminder for all bikers out there: the importance of defensive driving. I highly recommend checking the article out – knowing the proper way to react to challenges like poor road conditions and distracted drivers (especially those on cell phones) can mean the difference between life and death. Please be safe out there!
April 08, 2010
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
As spring turns to summer, more bikers will be hitting the roads and taking advantage of the nice weather. I'd like to remind all drivers, not just bikers, that there are some safety tips you should remember when sharing the road. For Car and Truck Drivers: - Because they are smaller in size, motorcycles look like they're further away than they are. Be sure to assume they're closer to your vehicle than you think.
- Bikers tend to slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, which doesn't activate a brake light. It's smart to allow three or four seconds of following distance and anticipate when a biker could slow down at intersections.
- Since motorcycle turn signals are not usually self-cancelling, don't assume a motorcycle's signal is intentional.
For Bikers: - Make sure you're as visible as possible – use your horn, wear bright and reflective clothing, and position your bike where it can be seen.
- When riding in traffic at speeds under 40 mph, keep a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Constantly scan the area around you while biking – never leave your eyes locked on one thing for more than two seconds.
- Know your state's helmet laws and insurance and licensing requirements. If you do wear a helmet, make sure it has a sticker indicating DOT (Department of Transportation) compliance.
- And of course, don't drink and ride!
Over 5,200 bikers were killed in the United States in 2008 – let's do everything we can to bring that number down! You can check out my firm's website for more information on motorcycles, including helmet laws, insurance requirements, and safety tips.
September 25, 2009
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
Did you know that riders who switch bikes are nearly 70 percent more likely to be in a motorcycle accident than riders who keep the same bike? I sure didn’t. This is the interesting finding from a study of 2 million motorcycle policies done by Progressive Insurance. If you’d like to learn about ways to stay safe, and which switches are most dangerous, you can check out this article: "Switching Bikes? Get Some Training."
July 20, 2009
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
Last week the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had an article that bikers (and other motorists) may find interesting. It's about how bikers navigate the roads, why they do what they do, and it gives tips for handling our hilly, winding terrain. Here's the link if you're interested in reading it: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09197/984064-475.stm
May 27, 2009
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
As Motorcycle Awareness Month comes to an end, some interesting information has been reported by the Motorcycle Industry Council. The council says that riding motorcycles is becoming more and more popular – the number of motorcycles owned and used has grown 19% since 2003, totaling about 10.4 million. Amidst all of this growing interest, I think it's especially important for all of us on the road to be aware of motorcycles. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has created a list of 10 things all car, truck and bus drivers should know about motorcycles. I'd like to post them here and encourage you to check them out: 1. Half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, and many times, it's the fault of the vehicle driver, not the biker. Often, motorists unintentionally ignore bikers since there are a lot more cars and trucks on the road.
2. Keep an eye out for motorcycles – their small size can make them difficult to spot. Watch your blind spots and check around objects like bushes, fences, bridges and other cars, especially when changing lanes or turning at intersections. 3. Since it can be difficult to judge the speed of a motorcycle, it may look farther away than it really is. Always predict that a motorcycle is closer than it appears. 4. Always allow more following distance when behind a motorcycle. Bikers often slow by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, so their brake light may not activate each time they slow. Especially at intersections, predict a biker will slow down even without a visual warning. 5. Understand that bikers adjust lane position for a purpose, such as increasing their visibility to others, minimizing the effect of road debris, and passing vehicles. Don't assume they're being reckless, showing off, or allowing you to share a lane with them. 6. Since motorcycle turn signals are not usually self-cancelling, don't assume a motorcycle's signal is intentional. 7. Although motorcycles do have great maneuverability, especially in good road conditions and at slower speeds, don't always expect a biker to be able to dodge out of the way. 8. Keep in mind that slippery pavement makes stopping especially difficult for bikers, and be sure to allow more following distance in inclement weather. 9. Remember to see more than the motorcycle. There is a person driving the motorcycle and he could be your friend, neighbor, or relative. 10. If a driver hits a biker, bicyclist, or pedestrian and causes serious injury, the repercussions for the driver will be traumatic and life-altering.
You can check out my firm's website for more information on motorcycles, including helmet laws, insurance requirements, and safety tips.
May 01, 2009
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
Today marks the beginning of Motorcycle Awareness Month, and I wanted to take a few minutes to mention a good article that ran in the Post-Gazette last month on motorcycle safety. This is such an important topic – my firm has seen many clients who have sustained life-altering injuries in motorcycle accidents, and taking safety precautions really can mean the difference between life and death. Motorcycle safety can include a number of things, like riding gear, dealing with dangerous motorists, and driving tips. The article in the PG talks about steps to take before you even hit the road – inspecting tire tread, checking fluid levels, examining controls, and more. Definitely check out the article for more information, and you can also go to my law firm's web site to learn more about motorcycle safety, insurance, and helmet laws.
March 19, 2009
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
The weather in Pittsburgh is warming, and that means that more bikers will soon be hitting the road. I'd like to take this opportunity to remind both bikers and other motorists of a few important safety tips as the motorcycle season begins. Safety Tips for Car and Truck Drivers - A motorcycle may look farther away than it is due to its small size. Assume that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
- Bikers often slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, which doesn't activate a brake light. Allow three or four seconds of following distance and predict a biker may slow down at intersections without visual indication.
- When a motorcycle is in motion, think of it as a person.
Safety Tips for Bikers - Make yourself as visible as possible – use your horn, wear bright and reflective clothing, and position your bike where it can be seen.
- Keep your eyes moving – never leave them locked on one thing for more than two seconds.
- When you're riding in traffic at speeds under 40 mph, maintain a two-second gap between you and the car in front of you.
- When you're on the open road at higher speeds, the gap should be three or four seconds or more.
- Know your state's helmet laws and insurance and licensing requirements.
- If you do wear a helmet, make sure it has a sticker indicating DOT (Department of Transportation) compliance.
These are only a few of the many safety tips that my firm has posted on our website. I encourage you to check them out for more info on riding gear, passenger safety, group riding, and bike maintenance.
June 24, 2008
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
My law firm is happy to be a part of the Johnstown, PA community. For over 20 years, we've had three office locations in Central PA, including Johnstown, Altoona, and Ebensburg. That is why, for the past several years, we have looked forward to sponsoring Johnstown's annual Thunder in the Valley bike rally, held the last weekend of June. This year, the rally will be from June 26 through June 29. Thunder in the Valley began in 1998, and the first event drew a crowd of 5,000 bikers. Now, ten years later, the rally has hosted over 200,000 bikers and 145 vendors. It is a great time – there's live music, a ton of good food, and bikers get a chance to explore new riding opportunities on routes through Johnstown's scenic Allegheny Mountain range. At my law firm, we want bikers to enjoy the road, and to do so safely. We offer online information on motorcycle helmet laws, motorcycle insurance requirements, and motorcycle safety tips. If you're going to be at this year's Thunder in the Valley rally, make sure to stop by the welcome tent to pick up our Guide to Pennsylvania Biker Rights and Edgar Snyder & Associates give-aways. And have fun!
July 24, 2007
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
Pittsburgh Steeler Training Camp started this week and it reminded me of how lucky Ben Roethlisberger is to be playing football this year. (And how lucky Pittsburgh is!) Just over a year ago, Big Ben was in a motorcycle accident that rocked Pittsburgh and the rest of the Steeler nation. We breathed a collective sigh of relief when our Superbowl quarterback was discharged from the hospital with high hopes of a full recovery. Big Ben wouldn't go onto the football field without a helmet, and my guess is that if he ever gets on a bike again, you'll see him wearing a helmet. At Edgar Snyder & Associates, we respect bikers' freedom of choice yet we see the devastating head injuries that can result when you don't wear a helmet. Many are fatal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association estimates that helmets saved 1,546 motorcyclists' lives in 2005, and that 728 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets. So whenever you're riding on two wheels, we urge you to wear a helmet. And by the way, Go Steelers!
June 28, 2007
Posted by: Guest Blogger
 Guest Blogger: Patty B., Operations Supervisor for Edgar Snyder & Associates
This was my first year to volunteer at our booth at Thunder in the Valley, the motorcycle rally held last weekend in Johnstown. I wasn't sure what to expect. I think many people have this stereotypical idea of motorcycle riders. I was expecting some intimidating and rough bikers. In reality, I was struck by what a friendly group of people I met. By and large, the bikers who attended Thunder in the Valley are a fun-loving, family-oriented and down-to-earth bunch.
Two questions I got over and over at the event were: Do you really see Edgar in the office? And what is he like? The answer to the first question is "YES!" Edgar leads the law firm and is totally involved in running ESA. What's Edgar like? I have worked here for almost 20 years so obviously I am a big fan of Edgar's. If I had to describe him in just a few words, what comes to mind first is that he's a genuinely nice man, and very generous.
June 21, 2007
Posted by: Attorney Edgar Snyder
Motorcycle enthusiasts and their families will be in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, starting today June 21 through Sunday, June 24. This is our law firm's third year as a sponsor for the Thunder in the Valley motorcycle rally, so if you're planning to attend, please stop by our booth in Central Park. We have free information on helmet laws, motorcycle insurance, safety tips, how bikers can protect their legal rights and more. We'll also have a game set up for you to win an Edgar Snyder & Associates T-shirt or frisbee. We hope to see you!
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