Motorcycle enthusiasts love the way that their bikes allow them to experience the roads in a unique way than a typical passenger vehicle. But the unfortunate truth is that driving a motorcycle makes you 12 times more likely to be involved in a fatality accident than one just involving passenger cars, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation. A dramatic 76 percent of motorcyclists involved in crashes are either injured or killed in comparison to just 16 percent of those in passenger vehicles.
Motorcycle collisions are unfortunately on the rise in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia. The age of motorcyclists in Georgia fatality accidents are most commonly between 30-30 and 50-59. In 2016, there were 10 motorcyclist fatalities who were less than the age of 20, but 31 fatality accidents in motorcyclists over the age of 59. All of these age groups, however, need to be aware of safety rules and regulations and how to protect themselves better while driving their motorcycles.
Here’s more information on the statistics, and how motorcyclists can stay safer out on the roads.
MOTORCYCLE COLLISION STATISTICS IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA
Unfortunately, every time you go out on your motorcycle, you risk a chance of a motorcycle collision. Georgia is, in fact, home to a high number of motorcycle collisions. Many of these motorcycle accidents occur because of preventable causes, like the following:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Road defects
The numbers are especially telling—more than 10% of all traffic fatalities in Georgia have been motorcyclists since the year 2007 according to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia. In 2016, an estimated 173 motorcyclists died because of a collision. These statistics are especially discouraging because the number of fatalities in the state of Georgia has increased by 26% since the year 2014.
The cause of this increase in fatalities is likely since the number of motorcyclists not wearing a helmet has grown larger since 2013. Because a motorcyclist doesn’t have the insulation of a car to keep them safe, their helmet is often the first defense when involved in an accident.
HOW TO REMAIN SAFE WHILE RIDING OR DRIVING A MOTORCYCLE
One of the most crucial things motorcyclists need to do before hitting the road is to put on a properly fitted helmet that is Department of Transportation (DOT) certified. A proper helmet will have a thick polystyrene-foam lining and sturdy chinstraps.
In addition to wearing a helmet, a motorcyclist should obey local traffic laws such as observing traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings. Always ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between you and motorists that are in front of you.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision in Georgia that you believe was the fault of a negligent or impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Call the Fry Legal Team today at 404-969-1284 to set up a legal consultation for more information about whether pursuing a lawsuit makes sense for you.
