While motorcycles can be fun and exhilarating, they are also dangerous. When a motorcycle is involved in an accident, a fatality is six times more likely than in a car crash. In fact, Georgia has been noted as one of the states with the highest number of motorcyclists killed in accidents.

The I-575 and I-75 highways are major thoroughfares in Georgia, including through Cherokee County. Unfortunately, they are also common scenes for motorcycle accidents. Read on for some important tips on staying safe on your motorcycle on these highways.

1. Wear Proper Protection

Motorcycle riders are much more susceptible to injury without the protection of the sturdy frame, seatbelts, and airbags that protect drivers of passenger vehicles. Given this, motorcyclists need to be sure to wear proper protection to have the best chances of surviving a crash. Georgia law requires that any person operating a motorcycle wear a helmet. Eye protection is also required if the motorcycle doesn’t have a windshield or windscreen.

In addition to this required protective wear, make sure your arms and legs are covered, preferably with clothing made of leather or heavy denim. You should also make sure to wear boots or shoes that cover your ankles. Consider clothing in bright colors or with reflective material to help make you visible to other drivers. Increasing your visibility will help reduce the risk associated with the smaller footprint of the motorcycle.

2. Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

This tip might seem to go without saying, but it is worth a reminder. Consuming alcohol in an amount that exceeds the legal limit or taking illegal drugs are obvious issues for any person operating a motor vehicle. If you plan on taking your motorcycle out, you should consider avoiding any alcohol consumption and also pay attention to potential side effects associated with prescription medication. To safely ride a motorcycle, the driver needs to have full grasp on all their faculties in order to appropriately balance, control the throttle, and shift gears. They must also be alert and able to react quickly. Any consumption of alcohol or certain medications will reduce your ability to focus on the road and stay safe.

3. Prioritize Education

Even if you wear protection and avoid alcohol and drugs before a ride, you are still at a high risk for a crash if you haven’t secured the necessary education and licensing for riding a motorcycle. Approximately 1/3 of motorcyclists who are killed in crashes are not licensed, or are improperly licensed.

In Georgia, motorcycle drivers are required to secure a Class M license or instructional permit to operate a motorcycle. The state provides two paths for securing the appropriate licensing. First, you can take a Motorcycle Safety Program Course that provides professional training on handling a motorcycle and a 90-day License Test Waiver for successful completion of the course. The second option is to apply and pass a knowledge test and a skills test on the motorcycle.

While Georgia requirements have a skills component, more comprehensive training is always a good option. Many motorcyclists have not received any formal training for riding a motorcycle. It is much more common for motorcyclists to have learned to ride their bike from friends or family. Formal training arms a motorcycle driver with defensive driving techniques and the skills needed to stay safe on the road.

In addition to focused motorcycle training, make sure you are familiar with the local traffic laws.

4. Make Maintenance a Priority

While a focused and skilled driver is an important component to a safe motorcycle ride, the motorcycle must also be well maintained. You should pay special attention to the tires, brakes, and drive chain. A poorly maintained drive chain can create inconsistencies for the back wheel of the bike. Incorrect tire pressure can cause blowouts or an unpredictable grip. Malfunctioning brakes can mean the difference between life and death.

Make sure you prioritize regular maintenance for your motorcycle, and also give it a thorough once-over before you hit the road. Before any ride, consider checking:

• That all lights and horns are working;
• Fluid levels;
• Tire pressure and tread depth;
• Chain adjustment and lubrication;
• Adjustment and operation of the clutch, brake levers, mirrors, gear shift, and switches; and
• That all racks and storage solutions are secured and not rubbing on any functioning parts of the motorcycle.

5. Monitor the Road Conditions

Road conditions can have a significant impact on motorcycle drivers, including the quality of the road and inclement weather. Make sure you are familiar with the maintenance and quality of the areas of I-575 and I-75 you will be traversing. Advanced knowledge of any rough road patches or construction can help keep you safe.

Inclement weather makes the road more dangerous for all drivers, but especially for motorcyclists. Motorcycles are particularly susceptible to changes in road conditions, including slippery roads from rain or snow. Bad weather can reduce visibility and also affects the ability of motorcycle tires to grip the road. Rain and snow aren’t the only dangerous road conditions. Wind can easily push the motorcycle, so the driver must be able to anticipate the push and adjust their driving accordingly. If you are unsure of your ability to handle non-ideal weather conditions, consider staying off the road.

Contact an Attorney For Assistance

Even with all the tips above, you may find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have suffered from a variety of injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injury. Even if your motorcycle didn’t come into contact with another motor vehicle, you still may be able to seek recovery for your damages. A Woodstock GA Accident Attorney can help you understand what evidence may be required in order to pursue recovery for your damages.

Among the variety of stressors resulting from the accident and injuries, you are likely concerned about the financial impact of the accident. Your attorney can work with you to understand the details of your case, and to help create a strategy for success.