According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Motorcycle deaths have increased 55% since 2000 with 4,502 dying in 2010 alone. Interesting stats here:
Young people are not the only ones dying in motorcycle crashes. In 2010, more than half the people killed in motorcycle crashes were 40 or older, up from 25% in 1995.
While only 10% of riders killed in motorcycle crashes in 2010 were women, almost all passengers (89%) killed in motorcycle crashes were women.
Forty-one percent of motorcycle operators and 50% of motorcycle passengers who died in 2010 were not wearing a helmet.
The cost of motorcycle crashes is not just measured in bodies, loss, and grief. Motorcycle crashes create a burden to society, consuming public funds for emergency response, emergency room costs, and insurance premiums. In terms of medical care costs and productivity losses. The economic burden from crash-related injuries and deaths in one year alone totaled $12 billion.
Tragedy could easily have been avoided in all too many Georgia motorcycle accidents if motorists had been behaving responsibly while they were on the road.
Below we take a look at some simple safety tips that riders and drivers alike can put into place to help improve road safety in Atlanta and throughout Georgia.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders
- Use Proper Protective Gear: Durable clothing, non-slip gloves and a well-fitted motorcycle helmet are key to road safety.
- Know Your Bike’s Limits: Don’t put yourself in harms way by pushing your bike’s capabilities.
- Be Visible: Avoid blind spots and use your headlights when riding in low light conditions. Consider wearing bright or reflective clothing while you ride.
- Respect Other Drivers: Don’t weave in and out of traffic or ride on the shoulder. Avoid tailgating.
Safety Tips for Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists
All motorists have a responsibility to ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone by sharing the road appropriately.
- Give Motorcyclists Space: Tailgating is always dangerous, but it’s particularly irresponsible when it comes to sharing the road with bikers.
- Check Your Blind Spots: Be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on in your blind spots, especially before turning or changing lanes.
- Use Your Turn Signals: Give cyclists plenty of time and space to react when you need to turn or change lanes.
- Avoid Distracted Driving: Taking your attention away from the road can lead to tragedy in an instant. Be responsible when you’re on the road and avoid common distractions like mobile devices.
