On April 20, a motorcyclist died in an accident involving a Georgia Department of Transportation on I-75 in Atlanta.
According to GDOT, Highway Emergency Response Operators were clearing debris in a travel lane when a motorcycle crashed into their truck. The accident shut down lanes on I-75 South at Northside Drive.
The Georgia State Patrol said that it was performing an investigation at the accident scene.
How to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer fatal injuries in an accident because they lack the protection of a vehicle. However, if you take the proper precautions, you can reduce your chances of getting into one.
Here are some tips to avoid a motorcycle accident.
- Avoid speeding. Although going really fast on your motorcycle may be exciting, it is also very dangerous. If you travel over the speed limit, you may have lower reaction times and lose control of your motorcycle.
- Don’t drive in bad weather. Poor weather conditions are one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Bad weather can reduce visibility and make the roads more slippery, increasing the risk of collisions. Therefore, you should avoid riding your motorcycle during bad weather if it is possible.
- Never share a lane with another vehicle. As the legal professionals at Norris Injury Law, LLC can confirm, this is one of the most common mistakes motorcyclists make. If you try to share a lane with another vehicle, you are more likely to get into collisions. Since motorists don’t anticipate sharing a lane with motorcyclists, they may not look for them.
- Don’t assume that motorists can see you. As a Watkinsville, GA personal injury lawyer can confirm, sometimes motorists just don’t see motorcycles since they are much smaller than vehicles. Therefore, you should always drive defensively and stay out of their blindspots. Also, try to wear bright clothes when on a motorcycle to make yourself more visible.
- Take a motorcycle safety course. Operating a motorcycle is different from driving a vehicle. That is why it is recommended to take a motorcycle safety course. An instructor can teach you how to properly operate a motorcycle and avoid hazards. Then, you may be less likely to get into an accident.
- Wear the proper protection. Before you get on a motorcycle, make sure to have the proper protection on. Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, riding boots and a helmet. Although these items may not prevent you from getting in an accident, they may be able to reduce your risk of fatal injuries in the event of a collision.
- Perform regular maintenance. Just like vehicles, motorcycles require regular maintenance to continue running properly. That’s why you should make maintenance a top priority. Otherwise, you can increase your risk of getting in an accident.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may want to schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
