Motorcycle Safety Month: Safety Tips To Reduce Atlanta Truck Accident Risks
For motorcycle enthusiasts, spring is the perfect time to hit the road. The days are long, the weather is pleasant, and there are numerous bike rallies, poker runs, and other events happening locally and in surrounding states.
It’s also a good time to raise awareness of potential hazards. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is in May and serves as a timely reminder. Our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers share safety tips every rider should know and highlight reckless behavior by motorists that increases crash risk.
Motorcycle Safety Tips Every Atlanta Rider Should Know
Georgia’s Department of Driver Services (DDS) warns that close to 5,000 motorcycle accidents happen annually throughout the state. These crashes can cause catastrophic personal injuries and claim the lives of as many as 150 bikers each year.
When it comes to protecting yourself and reducing your risks, keep in mind that motorcycle safety starts before you ever leave the driveway. Preparation, awareness, and the right gear can mean the difference between walking away from a close call and suffering a life-altering injury.
Steps you can take to protect yourself on the road include:
- Wear a DOT-approved helmet, as required under the Georgia Code.
- Invest in protective gear, including riding gloves, boots, eye protection, and abrasion-resistant clothing.
- Complete a certified motorcycle safety course, even if you are an experienced rider.
- Perform a pre-ride inspection of tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels before every trip.
- Ride defensively and assume other drivers may not see you, particularly at intersections and during lane changes.
- Avoid riding in other drivers’ blind spots and use lane positioning to stay visible.
Taking these precautions reduces risk, but cannot fully protect riders from the dangerous behavior of other drivers on Atlanta’s roads.
How Reckless Drivers Put Atlanta Motorcyclists at Risk
While it is important to take precautions, motorcycle accidents in Atlanta often occur due to the reckless behavior of motorists. Among the most common causes of crashes are:
- Not checking the rear view or side mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Failing to stop at intersections and disregarding traffic signs and signals.
- Turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle without yielding
- Following motorcycles too closely and rear-ending them in slow or stopped traffic.
- Distracted driving, drunk driving, and driving while excessively fatigued.
Reckless drivers can be held liable for motorcycle accidents in Atlanta and the injuries and other losses that result. However, as insurers often attempt to blame bikers, get professional legal help to protect your rights in a claim.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
Motorcycle accidents in Atlanta can cause catastrophic injuries and often happen due to reckless motorists. At Shiver Hamilton Campbell, we provide the fierce legal representation needed to help victims and their loved ones get compensation.
To get our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers on your side, give us a call or contact us online and request a consultation. We help crash victims throughout Georgia, including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Decatur, and all of Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties.
Sources:
trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/motorcycle-safety
dds.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-09-09/motorcycle-fact-sheet
dds.georgia.gov/section-3-you-ride
