Riding a motorcycle can be a fun experience. However, motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being involved in an accident compared to passenger vehicle drivers. In Pennsylvania, motorcycle fatalities accounted for 15% of all traffic deaths in 2020, while motorcycles only made up 3% of registered vehicles in the state.
Wearing proper reflective gear is one of the best ways motorcyclists can improve their visibility and decrease their chances of being in an accident. This article will examine the importance of reflective gear and Pennsylvania laws regarding its use.
Increasing Visibility for Motorcyclists
Being visible to other motorists is critical to staying safe on a motorcycle. During daylight hours, the motorcycle itself provides some visibility. However, reflective gear adds enhanced conspicuity during low-light conditions like sunrise, sunset, nighttime, and inclement weather.
Reflective vests, jackets, helmets, and tape on a motorcycle all help reflect light from headlights back to other drivers. This greatly improves the distance at which motorists can detect and recognize motorcyclists on the road, giving them more time to react appropriately.
Studies have shown retroreflective gear may increase visibility distances up to 1,500 feet compared to only 500 feet for standard motorcycle clothing. For motorcyclists traveling at highway speeds, an extra 1,000 feet can translate into an extra 10-15 seconds of reaction time for other motorists.
Pennsylvania Laws on Reflective Gear
Under Pennsylvania law, motorcyclists are required to use reflective gear under certain conditions:
- All motorcyclists must wear eye protection, such as a face shield or goggles. This eye protection must be impact and shatter resistant.
- If riding at any time from sunset to sunrise, a motorcycle operator must display a headlamp and rear lamp. The rear lamp must be visible from 500 feet away.
- For nighttime riding, Pennsylvania has no specific law regarding clothes. However, it is recommended that riders wear a reflective vest, jacket, or helmet, even if the motorcycle itself has reflectors.
Choosing Effective Reflective Gear
When shopping for reflective riding gear, brighter and more extensive reflectors provide better visibility. Look for gear certified to meet minimum standards by checking for labels like:
- ANSI/ISEA 107 – High visibility safety apparel
- EN 1150 – Reflective clothing for non-professional use
- EN 13356 – High visibility clothing accessories
The more reflective material on your gear, the larger and brighter you will appear to others while riding at night. Key areas to look for reflectors are the arms, legs, chest, back, and helmet. An all-reflective jacket provides 360 degrees of visibility and is ideal.
Staying Safe on Pennsylvania Roads
Wearing proper gear is the bare minimum motorcyclists should do before hitting Pennsylvania roads. Always ride defensively and use additional safety measures like:
- Keeping your headlight on at all times, even during daylight
- Using turn signals for every lane change or turn
- Wearing a brightly colored helmet and gear
- Never riding impaired
- Getting proper motorcycle training and licensing
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyers at Monge & Associates for a free case evaluation by calling (888) 477-0597. We have 32 offices in 19 states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois, and will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.