The Georgia Department of Driver Services is calling for motorcyclists to wear helmets and obey traffic laws, while urging motorists to be more aware of the motorcycles they share the roads with in order to prevent motorcycle accidents.
This May, the National Safety Council is commemorating National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Georgia Department of Driver Services is taking this opportunity to increase awareness about the risks facing motorcyclists, especially as we move into peak motorcycling season. Starting in May, we will see more and more motorcycles on our highways and roads, and it is important for motorists to understand that they play a vital role in keeping motorcyclists safe.
Motorcycle accident fatalities in Georgia have followed a graph that mirrors the rising national toll of car accident deaths. In 2020, there were a total of 194 motorcycle accidents in the state which was an increase of 13% from 2019. About 834 motorcyclists suffered serious injuries in accidents in 2019, an increase of 18% from the previous year.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services’ Share the Road campaign encourages motorists to be more aware of the motorcycles around them. Motorcycles can be easy to miss because of their narrow frame, but that is not an excuse for you to not look out for them. Mutual responsibility and respect is key for both motorcyclists and motorists to share the roads safely.
If you are a beginner motorcyclist, this is a good time to brush up on your motorcycling skills. Georgia laws require all amateur motorcyclists to take a driver education program. The Georgia Department of Driver Services offers a Basic Rider course, but even if you have undertaken these programs, it is advisable to update your driving skills regularly. The Georgia Department of Driver Services, for instance, offers a Basic Rider 2 course and an Advanced Rider course for experienced motorcyclists to further update their skills.
Never ride without a motorcycle helmet. Georgia has a universal motorcycle helmet law that requires both the motorcyclist as well as the passenger to wear a helmet while riding the motorcycle. Motorcycle helmets must be certified by the Department of Transportation which means that they meet the safety standards laid down by the DOT. The Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program specifically recommends full face motorcycle helmets to provide maximum safety. In addition to wearing a helmet and undergoing training, a motorcyclist must also obey all traffic rules at all times.
The Atlanta car crash attorneys at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons injured in car accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident, talk to a lawyer at our firm and determine if you have legal options to a claim for damages. You may be eligible for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other types of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case.