Motorcycles can be a ton of fun to ride, especially during these hot summer days. Every day riders jump on their bikes and head out on the open road. But, along with the thrill of riding, comes increased risk of accidents and serious injury.

Motorcycle fatalities in Georgia have steadily risen every year since 2013, accounting for approximately 10-12% of all traffic fatalities*. This a concerning statistic considering motorcycles make up for a rather small percentage of the total vehicles on the roadways.

Motorcycles are less visible that passenger vehicles. Even a rider who is following all traffic regulations can be at risk since other drivers simply may not see them. Here we’ll be discussing some of the most common circumstances under which motorcycle accidents occur.

Speeding

Speeding can be very dangerous, and some riders may not even realize they’re doing it. How can you speed without knowing it you may ask? Well, even driving at the posted speed limit may be dangerous under certain road conditions and in turns or curves. Riders should stay aware of road surface conditions and watch their speed when on roads with twists.

When driving a passenger vehicle, of course you should also avoid speeding. The result of a speeding car that collides with a motorcycle can be tragic and often cause fatalities.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is always dangerous. When motorcycles are also involved, the possibility of serious injury or death increase dramatically. In many places, DUI is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents.

Alcohol and drugs can delay your reaction time and impair your judgement. That, along with lowered inhibitions and increased chance of reckless behavior, are a recipe for disaster.

Lane Splitting

When a motorcycle drives between the designated lanes, usually in the space between cars sitting in traffic, this is known as splitting lanes. While legal in some states, lane splitting is illegal in the state of Georgia. For obvious reasons, this type of driving can be very dangerous. Reduced space and lowered visibility greatly increase a rider’s risk of being involved in an accident.

The bottom line is, while motorcycles can be a great hobby, they are not to be taken lightly. If you ride, you have a personal responsibility to do so as safely as possible. Even though an accident may not be your fault, it could have serious consequences.

If you’ve been involved in any type of accident, call the Law Offices of Gregory Chancy today at 770-627-3221.

*Governor’s Office Of Highway Safety In Georgia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/research/motorcycles-statistics/