If you are an avid motorcyclist in Georgia, you might be concerned about getting into an accident. After all, Atlanta highways are notoriously congested, and accidents occur daily. In 2021, 3,673 motorcycle crashes occurred in Georgia, resulting in 185 fatalities. In 2020, motorcyclists accounted for 11% of all traffic fatalities in Georgia despite only making up 3% of vehicles on the road. Sadly, over the last decade (2012-2021), motorcycle crashes and fatalities in Georgia have trended upward, with crashes increasing 35 percent and fatalities increasing 26 percent.
While you can’t control the actions of other drivers, there are crucial motorcycle safety tips you can follow to minimize your risk and hopefully prevent a life-altering crash. If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta, it’s essential to seek legal assistance from the team of Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers at Kim Law. They can provide you with expert guidance and representation to help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Top 8 Tips for Riding Safely in Georgia
As a motorcyclist, your vulnerability on the road increases the risk of serious accidents. Follow these top 8 motorcycle safety tips to increase your chances of staying safe while riding in Georgia.
Stay Visible and Be Seen
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is when other drivers claim they simply didn’t see the rider. As a smaller vehicle, it’s critical to make yourself as visible as possible both during the day and at night. Keep your headlight on at all times to increase your ability to be seen. Also, wear bright and reflective gear like a jacket or vest, especially when riding in the dark or in poor weather conditions.
Be Defensive and Predictable
Riding defensively and avoiding aggressive maneuvers is key to motorcycle safety. Don’t assume other drivers can see you—ride like you’re invisible to them. Leave ample space cushion, avoid drivers’ blind spots, and be cautious of cars changing lanes. Use turn signals for every turn or lane change so your movements are predictable to others on the road.
Watch for Hazards
While in a car, you may barely notice smaller road hazards. However, on a motorcycle, they can be incredibly dangerous. Always scan ahead for any debris, potholes, grating bridges, puddles, or other potential hazards that could cause you to lose control. If unavoidable, go over them straight on, and don’t swerve suddenly.
Gear Up Fully
When a crash happens, the right safety gear, like a DOT-approved helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves, can be the difference between life and death or critical injury. Wearing full protective gear may seem uncomfortable, but the consequences of not gearing up are far worse. Make sure your helmet fits properly and is discarded after any impact for maximum protection.
Stay Sober
Like driving any vehicle, operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain medications is incredibly dangerous and illegal. Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment, motor skills, balance, and perception – which are critical for safe motorcycle riding. If you plan to drink, don’t ride, and be cautious about operating a motorcycle even after just one drink.
Get Proper Training
While Georgia doesn’t require formal training to obtain a motorcycle license for most riders, taking a hands-on safety course is highly advisable. These courses teach crucial skills for starting, stopping, swerving, and handling emergency situations. You’ll also learn the road rules specific to motorcyclists and how to identify and avoid potential hazards.
Check Your Motorcycle
Beyond checking your lights and signals before each ride, get in the habit of doing a full safety inspection regularly. Ensure there’s enough tread on your tires, check for leaks or damaged components, test the brakes and throttle, and adjust the mirrors properly. Well-maintained motorcycles are safer motorcycles.
Know Your Limits
One of the joys of motorcycling is the thrill and excitement, but it’s important to know your personal limits to operate within them safely. Stay within your experience level and the motorcycle’s capabilities, especially when carrying passengers or in less-than-ideal riding conditions. Your skills and confidence will increase as you keep logging miles, but humility goes a long way in preventing accidents.
By following these motorcycle safety tips, you’ll be better able to embrace the thrill of the ride while minimizing the risks.
Contact Our Atlanta, Georgia Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, a qualified Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The insurance companies are not on your side – they want to minimize payouts at all costs. A motorcycle accident attorney at Kim Law will build a strong case, negotiate with the insurers, and take your claim to trial if needed.
Don’t try to navigate this complicated process alone against well-funded corporate legal teams. Call the team of seasoned Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys at Kim Law today for a free consultation on your motorcycle accident case. Call 404.JUST.WIN or fill out our confidential contact form.
back to news
