Staying on the lookout for motorcycles in DeKalb County

June 18, 2013

In the last few years, motorcycles have increased in popularity across the country and you have likely seen more appearing on the roads here in DeKalb County. Motorcycles present a unique challenge for motorists because they can be difficult to see. If motorists aren't extra vigilant, they could cause a motorcycle accident.

Due to their smaller size, motorcycles do not move or operate in the same way that passenger vehicles do. Since they are road vehicles, this can be disconcerting to motorists. However, by becoming more aware of these two-wheeled vehicles, drivers can avoid collisions with them.

The need for more driver awareness

Recently, a motorcyclist died after suffering serious injuries in an Albany accident according to Fox 31. The 52-year-old man was fatally injured when a woman in an SUV turned left in front of him. It is unknown whether the driver simply did not see the motorcycle or if there were other factors involved.

According to the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety, data for motorcycle crashes from 2004 to 2008 show a steady increase in fatalities involving motorcycles. That increase has likely continued in lieu of the growing popularity for these machines. Among the counties with the highest fatality count was DeKalb County with 39 fatalities. However, it should be noted that in 2008, only 4 people died in a motorcycle accident in the county, which was the lowest count in four years.

During that time, the numbers of people registering motorcycles increased by 63 percent in the state of Georgia.

Motorcycle behavior

Motorists can help keep Georgia's roads safer for everyone by understanding motorcycle behaviors and respecting them. These behaviors include:
- Drifting from one side of the lane to the other - motorcyclists do this in order to see what is going on in front of them, especially in heavy traffic.
- Sudden decrease in speed - A motorcycle's speed is controlled through its handles and therefore it has the ability to decrease speed rather quickly without the rider having to touch the brakes.
- Disappearing - Because they are much smaller than a car, it is easy for a motorcycle to be hidden in a vehicle's blind spot, be obscured by a sign, tree, or another vehicle.
- Blinking turn signals - unlike vehicles, some motorcycles don't have the automatic turn-off for turning signals
- Difficult road conditions - Slippery and rough roads can be dangerous for motorcycles because they reduce traction; motorcycles need more distance in order to stop safely.

By learning to spot motorcycles and double-checking the roads and surroundings before changing lanes, pulling into traffic, or making turns, motorists can avoid collisions with bikers.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should consider meeting with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. The attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Article provided by William Tinkler, Jr. Attorney at Law, P.C.
Visit us at www.tinklerlawfirm.com