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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