Georgia Motorcycle Safety Advocacy

Almost 5,000 motorcyclists died in 2012, accounting for 15% of all traffic fatalities. This is true even though motorcycles account for only about 3% of motor vehicles on the road. The sad fact is that motorcyclists are far more likely to die in a collision than occupants of automobiles – 35 times more likely, in fact. Motorcycles are designed for higher performance than most automobiles, yet at the same time they are less stable and less visible to other drivers. And of course, riders are much more exposed and less protected in the event of a crash. Many organizations take motorcycle safety very seriously and try to raise awareness of the laws, rules, and basic traffic safety tips that riders and drivers alike can take to share the road the safely.

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declares every May to be Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and launches motorcycle safety campaigns such as Share the Road with Motorcycles and Drunk Riding Prevention.
• The Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, an alliance of consumer and safety groups and insurance companies, advocates for highway safety through its website – www.saferoads.org – and publishes information on traffic safety laws for every state. The page on Georgia shows the state fares well for having a universal helmet law, but other laws would help make the roads safer by enacting tougher standards for teen drivers and drunk drivers.
• The Governors Highway Safety Association also publishes state-by-state information on traffic safety laws, including a page showing the key highway safety laws in Georgia, regarding important topics such as cell phones and texting, aggressive driving and speed limits.
• The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety advocates for motorcycle safety as well. Their data reflect between 100 and 200 motorcycle fatalities every year and show the difference it makes if the rider was wearing a helmet and if either the rider or the other driver was sober.

Georgia Motorcycle Safety Training Program

In addition, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) runs a Motorcycle Operator Safety Training Program based on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Motorcycle Rider Course. Sections 40-15-1 through 40-15-5 of the Georgia Code authorize this program and set up a state-wide motorcycle safety coordinator to carry out and enforce motorcycle laws and regulations and promote motorcycle safety. DDS issues a certificate of completion for those who finish the course and helps riders meet the requirements for licensed motorcycle riding in the state. The program includes a course for instructors as well, who must be of good moral character, be physically able to safely operate a motorcycle and instruct others, hold a valid Class M driver’s license, and pass an exam administered by the coordinator testing knowledge of operator education and possession of skills to instruct others.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Representing Georgia Bikers

Unfortunately, despite all of these efforts, motorcycle accidents and deaths are generally increasing from year to year. Most accidents are preventable if riders and drivers alike will practice safe and defensive driving and stay alert to the conditions around them at all times. When negligence, reckless driving, or distracted driving causes serious personal injury or wrongful death to another, the responsible party should be held accountable to the individual or family they have harmed.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Georgia motorcycle accident, the Katz Personal Injury Lawyers legal team in Atlanta can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and economic losses. Call us at (404) 460-0101 in Atlanta or toll free at (404) 460-0101 in Athens, Rome, and surrounding areas in northern Georgia.