How to Avoid Common Motorcycle Accidents in Georgia

Did you know that in 2014, over 4,500 motorcyclists were killed in traffic collisions in the U.S? Motorcyclists are inherently at a greater risk to be killed in a crash since motorcycles are largely unprotected in comparison to cars and trucks that are also much larger. The math simply doesn’t add up in favor of the motorcyclist. Despite this fact, there are a few ways motorcyclists can still enjoy the open road while protecting themselves to the best of their abilities.

When looking at the different types of motorcycle accidents that commonly occur on Georgia streets as well as on streets around the nation, we see a few common threads. Some types of motorcycle accidents are more common than others. By examining these accidents and how they are caused, we can begin to understand how to avoid common motorcycle accidents in Georgia.

Here are the three most common situations that cause motorcycle accidents and how a motorcyclist can avoid them:

1. A Vehicle Making a Left-Hand Turn in Front of a Motorcycle

According to statistics, this is the number one situation that causes most motorcycle accidents. Passenger vehicle drivers often do not see a motorcycle in an intersection but the motorcyclist will assume that they do. This causes an accident when the motorcyclist keeps going straight.

The rule of prevention as a motorcyclist in this situation is to always assume that the other drivers do not see you. Take an extra precautionary step and slow down at intersections, allowing the cars to make their turns. Try and avoid being the first person to enter an intersection if you can. Also, try and make eye contact/signal other drivers if you don’t think they see you.

2. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions commonly cause motorcycle accidents. Passenger vehicles will not always see a motorcycle in front of them until it’s too late to stop in time. These types of accidents are especially common at busy intersections in cities where drivers may have multiple distractions.

To avoid rear-end motorcycle collisions, a motorcyclist should always stop far enough away from other vehicles to give them more room to maneuver if a larger car happens to come too close. Drive in the outward lanes if possible to allow yourself escape room if needed. Finally, you can additionally maintain a lower gear to allow for quicker acceleration when need be.

3. Taking a Corner Too Quickly

Inexperienced motorcyclists sometimes enter corners too quickly, causing a motorcycle to spin out of control and cause an accident. Even an experienced motorcyclist can misjudge a corner in dim lighting conditions or during times when the road may be slick with rain or snow.

To avoid getting in this type of accident, motorcyclists should be more cautious when taking corners. Slow down when entering corners, and if you think you’re approaching the corner too quickly, brake as much as possible while the bike is still vertical. If you’re already in the turn, lean your bike toward the corner and continue to apply as much pressure into the brakes as possible.

By learning how to prevent motorcycle accidents and prioritizing safety while sharing the road with other drivers, motorcyclists can enjoy the freedom of the open road unapologetically. Sometimes, unfortunately, accidents still happen even when we do everything we can to avoid them. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash and are questioning your legal options in the state of Georgia, contact Bey & Associates to speak to a skilled and knowledgeable Atlanta, GA motorcycle accident lawyer.