May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. With the summer months upon us, it’s a perfect time for a motorcycle rider to cruise around on a beautiful warm day. According to recent stats, over 200,000 motorcycles are registered in Georgia. Warm summer days also mean more motorcycle and long-distance riders on the streets and highways. Furthermore, to bring awareness to Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It is essential to focus on the importance of safety for motorcyclists and to remind everyone to share the road safely because motorcycles are a great way to get around but can also be dangerous. Riders are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than drivers of cars or trucks.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics In Georgia
According to the latest available data, motorcycle accidents in Georgia have increased recently. Here are some key statistics:
- In 2021, there were approximately 4,200 reported motorcycle accidents in Georgia.
- These accidents resulted in over 2,700 injuries and 150 fatalities.
- Motorcycle accidents account for around 12% of all traffic fatalities in Georgia.
- About 70% of motorcycle accidents in Georgia involve colliding with another vehicle.
- Over 50% of fatal motorcycle accidents occur on non-interstate roads, with the majority happening on rural roads.
How to be safe when riding a motorcycle in Georgia.
There are several things that riders can do to stay safe on the road. These include:
- Taking a motorcycle safety course
- Ensure your motorcycle is registered and you have a valid motorcycle license.
- Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, and boots
- Know and understand motorcycle traffic laws
- Being aware of your surroundings
How motorists can keep motorcycle riders safe
The number one reason motorcycle accidents occur is that car drivers only see motorcyclists once it’s too late. Therefore, it’s vital that you;
- Are aware and alert of motorcycles on the road
- Check blind spots before changing lanes or turning
- Give motorcycles plenty of space
- Do not drive distracted – avoid being on cell phones, eating food, etc
We can work together to ensure everyone is safe on Georgia roads.
By working together, we can all help to make the roads safer for motorcyclists.
Here are some additional tips for motorcycle safety:
- Check the weather before heading out. It’s best to stay off the road if it’s raining or foggy.
- Inspect your motorcycle before each ride. Make sure the tires are properly inflated and the brakes are working correctly.
- Obey traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, and red lights.
- Use turn and hand signals to let other drivers know what you’re doing.
- Be predictable. Ride in a straight line and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
- Stay alert. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of potential hazards.
- Ride defensively. Assume that other drivers don’t see you and prepare to take evasive action.
What you should do after a motorcycle accident in Georgia.
If you, unfortunately, are involved in a motorcycle accident, here are the steps you should take.
Move away from the flow and traffic, and keep your protective gear on.
You want to prevent yourself from getting hurt even further, so make sure you are away from any flowing traffic and continue to protect your body by keeping on your motorcycle gear.
Call the police
Call 911 and request medical treatment. Even if you don’t feel like you were seriously harmed, you should seek treatment. Sometimes injuries don’t present themselves until later.
Take photos
If you can, and while you are waiting for the police and the ambulance, try to take as many photos as you can. You want to take photos of the following things;
- Your motorcycle
- Your injury (if you can)
- The other vehicle(s) involved
- Road signs
- Any evidence that you feel will help your case
Talk to any witnesses.
If there are any witnesses, you should speak with them and ask for their name, number, or email. Let them know that you may contact them for any information to help you. You also want to take note of the behavior of everyone involved in the accident.
Don’t try to repair your bike.
Your bike is evidence. Do not try to fit it. Instead, take plenty of photos of any damages. Then, as you file for your settlement, an accident reconstruction expert will be able to see the seriousness of the accident, which will be able to help you with your case.
Seek medical treatment.
When the police and the ambulance arrive, make sure you ask for medical treatment or go to a doctor on the day of the accident. As mentioned before, injuries might not present themselves right away. You also want to see a doctor so you can get a medical treatment plan from a doctor.
Collect all your evidence.
After seeing a doctor start putting all your evidence together so that you are prepared to talk to an attorney, your attorney should also guide you with any additional information you might need.
Contact an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Contact us if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta or surrounding areas, or call Georgia Trial Attorneys at 833-4TheWin. We are experienced car accident attorneys who are here to help you. It is essential to understand your options, and you need an expert on your side. At Georgia Trial Attorneys, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We will tailor your case to your specific situation.
We work with clients throughout Atlanta and surrounding areas, including; Norcross, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Dekalb County, Clayton County, Fayette County, Forsyth County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County.