Given this reality, the number of motorcycles out on the roads and highways has undoubtedly increased in recent weeks and will likely only get higher over the coming months. Indeed, in recognition of the increased ridership that accompanies warmer weather, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has dubbed May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
As part of this initiative, the Georgia Department of Driver Services is now urging all motorists to be aware of the increased presence of motorcyclists and for all parties to share the road.
“Mutual responsibility is the safety message we are sharing with all road users to prevent motorcycle crashes,” said the DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “By following road signs, obeying speed limits, and always staying focused on the road, death and injuries could be prevented.”
The good news is that statistics from the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program show that to date the number of motorcycle fatalities in the state has fallen by more than 50 percent when compared with the same time last year.
As encouraging as this, motorcyclists should still remember to take some very simple — and very effective — steps to protect themselves from inattentive motorists:
- Always wear the necessary safety gear (DOT-approved helmet, leather or Kevlar-lined pants and coat, etc.) and brightly-colored reflective gear
- Drive defensively, particularly when navigating intersections, the site of roughly 50 percent of all accidents
- Use headlights both day and night
- Always ride where you can be clearly seen by motorists and avoid blind spots
- Drive respectfully, meaning no speeding, tailgating, or weaving
If the unimaginable happens and you are seriously injured, or lose a loved one in a motorcycle crash caused by the reckless actions of another, consider speaking with a skilled legal professional who can help you pursue both justice and peace of mind.
