Safety Information to Prevent a Motorcycle Accident
Call the Attorney at (404) 835-8072 
Free Consultation
Riding a motorcycle is a fun experience for many reasons, but it comes with dangerous possibilities if involved in an accident. Motorcycle riding offers time spent outside, traveling to new beautiful places. It also offers that social community of others who enjoy what you enjoy while being able to meet new motorcycle enthusiasts. Here in Georgia, there are beautiful roadways to ride. North Georgia offers a multitude of riding choices and destinations.
With the foothills of the Appalachian mountains and winding state highways, many Georgia motorcyclists choose to ride in North Georgia. But, as with any other motor vehicle, there are dangers involved.
The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) strives to protect the future of motorcycling and the way the motorcycle lifestyle is promoted. Their website offers helpful information for all things motorcycle. We focused on including their comprehensive state laws and safety information.
State Laws
The use of a headlight during the daytime is one specific state law for Georgia. Another state law is the regulation of no more than TWO motorcycles riding side by side in one lane. For a list of all Georgia state motorcycle laws, visit http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/asp/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state=ga.
Safety Information
The AMA strongly recommends the use of helmets, gloves, sturdy footwear and protective clothing while operating a motorcycle. North Georgia highways are windy and a bit more dangerous. Following safety protocol is one major way to prevent motorcycle crashes and reduce injuries and fatalities from such accidents. Another AMA recommendation is completing a state-regulated rider education program. Additional training and instruction helps increase motorcycle riders be safe on the roadways.
It’s not only motorcycle riders who should be safe on Georgia road. Fellow cars and semi-trucks need to be cautious around motorcycles. Below are 10 Quick Tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for car and truck drivers to know.
- There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
- Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
- Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
- Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
- Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
- Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.
- Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
- Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
- Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."
- When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kalka & Baer Firm
At the Kalka & Baer law firm, our personal injury attorneys have the experience to fight for each of our clients. We genuinely care that our clients are victims of such awful accidents and want to make the legal aftermath of accidents go as smoothly as possible.
Copyright Kalka & Baer
More information about Kalka & Baer
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) strives to protect the future of motorcycling and the way the motorcycle lifestyle is promoted. Their website offers helpful information for all things motorcycle. We focused on including their comprehensive state laws and safety information.
State Laws
The use of a headlight during the daytime is one specific state law for Georgia. Another state law is the regulation of no more than TWO motorcycles riding side by side in one lane. For a list of all Georgia state motorcycle laws, visit http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/asp/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state=ga.
Safety Information
The AMA strongly recommends the use of helmets, gloves, sturdy footwear and protective clothing while operating a motorcycle. North Georgia highways are windy and a bit more dangerous. Following safety protocol is one major way to prevent motorcycle crashes and reduce injuries and fatalities from such accidents. Another AMA recommendation is completing a state-regulated rider education program. Additional training and instruction helps increase motorcycle riders be safe on the roadways.
It’s not only motorcycle riders who should be safe on Georgia road. Fellow cars and semi-trucks need to be cautious around motorcycles. Below are 10 Quick Tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for car and truck drivers to know.
- There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
- Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
- Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
- Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
- Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
- Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.
- Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
- Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
- Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."
- When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kalka & Baer Firm
At the Kalka & Baer law firm, our personal injury attorneys have the experience to fight for each of our clients. We genuinely care that our clients are victims of such awful accidents and want to make the legal aftermath of accidents go as smoothly as possible.
Copyright Kalka & Baer
More information about Kalka & Baer
View all articles published by Kalka & Baer
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
