Motorcycle Safety

According to The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Motorcyclists are often overrepresented in traffic fatalities for several internal or external factors. Motorcycles only represent 3% of the total registered vehicles in the U.S. but account for 14% of all traffic-related fatalities. If you’ve been involved in a crash, then acquiring the services of a professional motorcycle attorney could be beneficial to recovering compensation for your injuries.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Driving with safe defensive practices and the cooperation of all road travelers can reduce the number of motorcycle accidents in Georgia. Rider’s behavior and the practices of others sharing the road are equally responsible for crashes and their prevention. Cars have built safety mechanisms that are more effective at protecting passengers from severe injuries. The following tips could help prevent you from experience serious motorcycle injuries and property damage:

Check Your Motorcycle Before Each Ride

Before you get on the road with your motorcycle, personal injury experts recommend that you check your motorcycle to ensure that it is prepared to perform optimally. Before every ride motorcyclists should check:

Headlights
Signal indicators
Fluid levels
Tire pressure
Depth of the tire tread
Signs of leaks
All cargo is secured
Passenger understanding of how to mount, properly hold on and dismount the motorcycle
Weather conditions in preparation for inclement weather

Practice Responsible Motorcycle Riding

Motorcycles are fast, lightweight, and offer minimal protection and the protection of yourself and others is dependent upon your ability to operate them. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal while operating a motorcycle because it impairs your ability to operate the motorcycle effectively. Alcohol and drugs affect riders’ alertness, judgment, throttle control, ability to shift gears, coordination, balance, and reduce reaction time. Experienced riders know the importance of riding defensively, obeying the laws, and proceeding cautiously. Yielding to pedestrians, keeping lots of space between your motorcycle and other vehicles, using headlights for maximum visibility even in the day time, and wearing the proper reflective materials on your motorcycle, accessories, and clothing whenever possible are practices used by seasoned riders to maintain safety.

Watch Out For Others

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that non-motorcycle drivers are normally at-fault for collisions involving motorcycles with other vehicles. It’s equally important for automobile drivers to become more aware of motorcyclists and how to protect them. Other drivers may not see a motorcycle because it’s smaller and harder to anticipate their moves. Distracted drivers as well as those unable to spot motorcyclists because of obstructed vision also can cause accidents with motorcycles.

Be Well Practiced

In the state of Georgia, there are two ways to get a motorcycle license and that’s taking a Motorcycle Safety Program Course to receive professional training in motorcycle handling or pass the Georgia Department of Driver Services written and on-cycle skills examinations. Each motorcycle handles differently so it’s important to be familiar with the motorcycle you’re riding, the motorcycle laws and licensing requirements where you’re riding, and the weather you’ll be riding in.

Wear Protective Gear

Protective gear can help you prevent serious injury in the event of an accident. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard has standards for protective equipment so it’s important to use a helmet with the DOT symbol on the back. Covering your extremities with leather or denim pants, shoes that cover up to your ankles, and gloves also could play a role in preventing a severe injury. Wearing reflective materials can make riders more visible, however, if you’ve been involved in an accident because another motorist claimed they were unable to see you, you could still be entitled to compensation. Contacting a professional motorcycle accident attorney could also serve to protect your rights like wearing a helmet protects your brain.

Georgia Motorcycle Safety

Protecting yourself from serious injuries is essential to the motorcycle experience and experienced riders understand the importance of safety and fun while riding. It could be equally important for you to protect your rights after you’ve been involved in an accident and that’s why knowledgeable personal injury law experts recommend obtaining a Georgia motorcycle accident attorney.