Noting 38 percent of all FATAL crashes in Exeter Township involve a Motorcycle being driven aggressively; Township Police have been awarded funding to crack down on aggressively driven motorcycles. The grant which was provided by PennDOT through the North Central Highway Safety Network will provide funding for Township Police to concentrate efforts to ensure riders and their motorcycles meet the requirements of Pennsylvania’s laws.
Post-crash investigations of fatal motorcycle crashes in the township have found a correlation exists between aggressively driven motorcycles and violations of the State Motorcycle Inspection Regulations. In nearly all of the fatal motorcycle crashes investigated the involved motorcycle has been modified in a manner that violates Pennsylvania inspections regulations. Officers will receive additional training to better recognize and enforce these inspection regulations on roadways within the Township. Additionally, when stopping motorcycles for inspection code violations police officers frequently discover the motorcyclist is not properly licensed, the motorcycle is not inspected, not insured, or the motorcyclist and/or passenger are in violation of the State helmet law.
Motorcycles found to be improperly registered, not insured, or operated by not properly licensed drivers will be towed from the roadway in accordance with the Exeter Township Police policies.
Officers will always be vigilant for these types of violations but the Department will assign additional Officers to conduct motorcycle specific enforcement at periods known to have a higher percentage of motorcycle ridership. Enforcement efforts will continue through the end of September.
We also point out to all drivers, for the safety of the motorcyclist, it is equally important that our enforcement efforts not concentrate solely on the aggressively operated motorcycle but also to attempt to remind all motorists of the importance of recognizing motorcycles as part of the overall transportation mix. Distracted drivers tend to ‘miss’ or not see motorcycles, particularly at intersections, when determining if it is safe to pull out from a stop. Township Officers will be attentive to stop and cite those dangerous drivers.
Police are asking all highway users to report motorcyclists driving aggressively by calling 911. It is our hope to curb aggressively driven motorcycles and remove aggressive drivers from the road to keep our highways safe for all travelers.
From Exeter Township Police Department
