As spring unfolds across Georgia, bringing with it warmer temperatures and vibrant landscapes, the call of the open road becomes irresistible to motorcycle enthusiasts. Yet, this season also introduces unique challenges that demand attention for safe riding. With the remnants of winter leaving roads littered with hazards, such as potholes, gravel, and debris, riders must navigate carefully to avoid accidents. Moreover, the fluctuating spring weather in Georgia, ranging from sudden showers to warm sunshine, requires riders to adapt quickly, ensuring they wear gear that offers both protection and flexibility.
Preparing your motorcycle for spring, being vigilant about road conditions, and refreshing riding skills are critical steps toward ensuring safety. As motorcycles return to the roads in greater numbers, it’s also a time for riders to sharpen their defensive driving techniques, staying alert to the increased presence of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. If you have suffered an injury due to someone else’s careless actions, a Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
Year-Round Motorcycle Safety Tips for Georgia Roads
Whichever season you ride, there are basic motorcycle riding safety tips you should follow. Those include:
- Pre-ride motorcycle check: It is important to check your motorcycle’s condition before hitting the road. This pre-ride check includes inspecting tires, controls (hand grips, handlebars, throttle, levers, pedals, cables, and hoses), and lights to ensure everything is in working order.
- Wearing high-visibility gear: Riders should wear high-visibility, reflective clothing or add auxiliary lights to their motorcycles to make themselves more visible to other drivers.
- Motorcycle safety courses: There are benefits to taking a motorcycle safety course, even for experienced riders. It can keep you up to date on safety standards and potentially qualify for insurance discounts.
- Lane-splitting laws: Per O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312, lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. Riders are entitled to the use of a full lane and are not permitted to use the lane of the vehicle they are over-passing.
- Riding strategies and road awareness: Motorcycle riders, like all motor vehicle operators, should practice defensive driving, such as maintaining a safe following distance, being aware of road hazards like gravel and potholes, and never assuming the other drivers can see you.
- Avoid distracted driving: Both riders and drivers should minimize and avoid distractions while operating their vehicles. Under the Hands-Free law, it is illegal to hold or touch a cell phone while operating your vehicle. Using a phone while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents.
- Maintenance tips: Motorcycles should be regularly maintained, which includes battery maintenance, checking and changing fluids (oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid), and ensuring all lights work properly. Riders are also recommended to install new filters and check their bike’s chassis for any potential issues.
Following these tips will improve your biking experience, but if you are the victim of a car accident, an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Safety Tips Unique to Spring Riding in Georgia
In addition to the standard array of safety tips, there are additional things to consider when riding in the spring. Those are:
- Gear for hot weather: The Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) emphasizes wearing appropriate gear even in hot weather. Lightweight and breathable gear that offers full coverage protection is essential to stay cool and protected.
- Hydration and breaks: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially on long rides. Avoid alcohol and sugary or caffeinated beverages. Plan your route to include rest stops for water breaks and to stay nourished.
- Avoid riding during peak heat: Try to plan your rides to avoid the hottest parts of the day, typically between noon and 3 p.m. Consider riding earlier in the morning or around sunset to escape the extreme heat.
- Rider training programs: The GMSP offers education programs for riders of all levels to improve their knowledge and skills. These programs are essential for both new and experienced riders to enhance their safety on the road.
- Springtime road hazards: Be aware of sand, gravel, or cinders on the roads, especially at rural intersections or in areas that experienced winter weather treatments. These materials can reduce traction and make stopping or cornering more hazardous until washed away by rain.
- Pothole vigilance: Spring is notorious for the emergence of potholes, especially in urban areas. Riders should be extra cautious and prepared to navigate around them safely.
- Inattentional blindness: After a winter hiatus, drivers may not be as accustomed to seeing motorcycles on the road. Riders should be especially alert at intersections and practice defensive riding strategies to make themselves more visible and avoid accidents.
- Refresh riding skills: After a period of not riding, it’s beneficial to practice emergency maneuvers in a safe environment to refresh your skills. This is important for both street and trail riding to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
Georgia’s Contributory Negligence Laws
Georgia operates under a contributory negligence system, which plays a crucial role in personal injury claims, including those arising from motorcycle accidents. Under this system, per O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, the compensation an injured party can receive is reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident. However, if the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages.
For example, if a motorcyclist is found to be 30% at fault in an accident where a car turned left in front of them because they were speeding, and the damages amount to $100,000, the motorcyclist’s recoverable compensation would be reduced by 30% (their fault percentage), leaving them eligible to receive $70,000.
This statute ensures that damages are allocated fairly, based on each party’s contribution to the accident, encouraging all parties to adhere to safe practices on the road. A motorcycle accident attorney can fight against the insurance companies and their adjuster if they try to place a greater degree of blame on you than justified.
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Kaine Law Helps Motorcycle Accident Victims Get the Compensation They Deserve
Contact our law firm today and speak with one of our staff about your motorcycle accident. We can review the strengths of your case and build a claim that accounts for your losses. You deserve the time to heal in peace.
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