Few people think of safety when they buy a motorbike in Georgia. They think of the freedom of the open road and the ease of navigating through even dense traffic. However, as motorcycle fatalities continue to rise across the country, it should move a little higher up on riders’ priority lists.
Many bikers believe that being safe riders may spare them from harm. Still, sometimes there is no accounting for the driver of that car, SUV or truck that may not see them when they try to pass in the neighboring lane or make a turn.
StateFarm estimates that injury or death occurs in 80% of all motorcycle crashes. This is hardly surprising considering that bikes offer no physical cover for protection. Meanwhile, people in cars or trucks are enclosed in and protected by metal and airbags. What is worse is that most motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers.
The insurance company recommends the following safety tips:
- Reconsider riding in bad weather.
- Wear a light-colored, full-face helmet.
- Be alert and watch out for distracted drivers.
- Wear bright-colored clothing, preferably with some reflective elements.
- Pay special attention at intersections as half of crashes take place there.
Some bikers hate the idea of riding with a helmet on. Some complain that it gets hot while others may fear reduced visibility. The CDC reminds bikers that universal motorcycle laws require both operators and passengers on a bike to wear helmets while riding on public roads. This reduces the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 37%. Note that the CDC identifies Georgia as one of 19 states with universal laws regarding helmets as of May 2018.