Articles Posted in Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience.  But there is no denying that it can be a dangerous activity on the increasingly congested roads of the metro Atlanta area.  Motorcycle fatalities occur at a rate that is 28 times higher than for deaths in car accidents and other types of accidents. In 2017, there were over 5,000 motorcycle fatalities nationwide.  In Georgia, over 260 motorcyclist died in fatal accidents in 2018.

If you are planning to ride a motorcycle, there are a few simple steps you should take to stay safe on the roads.

First of all, make sure you are properly licensed and trained. You may have many years of experience driving a car, but that does not adequately prepare you to take to the road on two wheels without proper training. Take a proper motorcycle safety training and education program. In Georgia, you require a Class M license to operate or ride a motorcycle anywhere in the state. You will have to pass a riding test and clear a motorcycle inspection before you receive a license.

How a motorcyclist dresses can often impact his risk of injuries if he’s involved in an accident. In no season is that risk more pronounced than during the bleak winter months.

A motorcyclist must invest in special winter gear and accessories that reduce his risk of being seriously injured in an accident. In Georgia’s icy weather, a motorcyclist can quickly find himself getting increasingly cold and numb the longer he rides in the biting cold weather. Invest in a few extra pieces of clothing that can keep you warm. These additional pieces of clothing can not only keep you warmer, also reduce your risk of being injured in an accident by providing an extra layer of protection.

Extra layers of insulation can keep you both warm and safe.   Your face and neck region can become very cold while driving in winter. Use a liner under your helmet. This liner can help shield your face by leaving only your eyes exposed so you can see the road. Get a lining in a comfortable material. You can also protect your neck region with a scarf or a neck wrap.  An extra pair of leggings under your motorcycle pants can provide extra insulation and protection for you.

Motorcycle accidents very often end in serious injuries, and even death, to the motorcyclist. Because of this, all motorcyclists should be aware of the most common causes of accidents and, more importantly, how to prevent them.  Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Many motorcycle accidents happen when the vehicle travelling in the opposite direction of the motorcycle makes a left turn in front of them. Left-turn accidents are very common, and usually the car making the left turn does so unexpectedly in front of the motorcycle. When this happens, it is often too late for the motorcyclist to stop or do anything to prevent an accident, and the result is a potentially serious crash. Reduce your chances of being involved in crashes like these by being very aware of the motorists around you and the actions they may take. Most car drivers will not see a motorcycle until it is too late.  If it looks like the car in front of you is going to make a left turn and you are unable to come to a complete stop, at least reduce your speed immediately. While it may not prevent an accident from happening, it can reduce the severity of the impact and your injuries.

Another common crash scenario happens when a car suddenly turns into the motorcyclist’s lane. Remember that motorists are usually not looking out for motorcyclists, so there is a good chance that a driver may not even see your motorcycle.  Therefore, always try to stay out of a car’s blind spots.