Most Common Hazards for Motorcyclists to Avoid in Georgia
Motorcyclists in Georgia face many potential dangers when they hit the road, including rough streets, wet surfaces, road debris, wildlife, uneven traffic lanes, and careless motorists. Understanding these hazards and how to deal with them is crucial for any motorcycle rider.
The Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers with R. Alan Cleveland, LLC are committed to helping bikers like you. Our goal is not only to help you avoid an accident in the first place but also to protect your rights and help you pursue fair compensation if you’re ever hurt in a motorcycle wreck. Let’s make your ride safer together.
What Makes These Hazards Dangerous for Motorcyclists?
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Let’s explore some specific road hazards motorcycle riders face and what makes them so unsafe.
Rough or Uneven Road Surfaces
Motorcycles have only two wheels, giving them less stability than passenger vehicles. When a bike hits a pothole, a bump, or uneven pavement, the sudden loss of balance can cause the bike to skid, lose control, or even eject the rider.
Wet Roads
Wet roads reduce a motorcycle’s grip on the pavement, making it harder to brake and turn safely. Water can also hide road imperfections like potholes, while rain can reduce visibility, making it harder for motorcyclists to see others and for other drivers to see them.
Uneven Traffic Lanes
Changes in lane height or uneven traffic lanes can pose a significant risk to motorcyclists. These irregularities can disrupt the motorcycle’s course, leading to loss of control. Especially at higher speeds, crossing from one lane to another with a significant height difference can be as dangerous as hitting a small obstacle on the road.
Road Debris
Road debris, such as branches, rocks, or pieces of tire, can be a nightmare for motorcyclists. Striking debris can cause a motorcycle to veer off course or the rider to lose control. Because motorcycles have less surface contact with the road than cars, even small objects can lead to big problems, including motorcycle crashes and severe injuries.
Road Construction
Road construction areas are particularly hazardous for motorcyclists due to uneven surfaces, loose gravel, and sudden lane shifts. These zones often have unexpected obstacles and less space for maneuvering. The mix of construction materials and sudden stops can catch a rider off guard, making these areas ripe for potential accidents.
Open Car Doors
Inattentive vehicle occupants put oncoming motorcyclists at risk of severe injury when they carelessly open their doors without checking. These “dooring” accidents can lead to severe injuries and even death.
Wildlife
Wildlife crossing the road can be unpredictable and unsafe for motorcyclists. Larger animals like deer are especially dangerous, as they can be harder to avoid and cause more damage on impact.
Other Vehicles
Other drivers are perhaps the single greatest danger to motorcyclists, especially those who aren’t careful behind the wheel. Abrupt lane changes, sudden stops, and distracted driving are just a few behaviors that can lead to risky situations for motorcyclists. Contact our Athens motorcycle accident lawyer for a free case review.
What Steps Can I Take to Avoid These Hazards?
As a motorcyclist, you can take several proactive steps to steer clear of hazards and keep your rides safe and enjoyable. First and foremost, keeping a keen eye on the road ahead can help you identify potential dangers early. Whether it’s rough surfaces, wet roads, or unexpected obstacles, spotting threats in advance gives you more time to react safely. Regularly checking weather conditions and traffic reports before heading out can prepare you for wet roads or construction zones.
It’s also crucial to adjust your speed according to road conditions. Slowing down in areas known for wildlife or when navigating through construction zones gives you time to react when sudden, dangerous situations present themselves. It’s especially important to be mindful of your surroundings, especially in urban areas where car doors may open unexpectedly or debris might be present. Use your mirrors and practice head checks to stay aware of what’s happening around you, reducing the risk of collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects.
Perhaps most importantly, practicing defensive riding techniques can significantly enhance your safety on the road. Always assume that other drivers might not see you and position yourself where you can be spotted easily. Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles gives you more time to react to their unpredictable moves.
What Safety Equipment and Gear Can Protect Me?
Using the correct safety equipment and wearing safety gear can help you avoid accidents and minimize your injuries should a crash occur. Here are some essential safety features every motorcyclist should consider:
- Helmets protect you from traumatic brain injuries in a crash and are required for all motorcycle riders and passengers under Georgia law.
- Motorcycle jackets made from abrasion-resistant materials can protect your chest and arms from scrapes and road rash in a collision.
- Motorcycle pants provide similar protection for your lower body.
- Gloves and boots protect your hands and feet while also helping you maintain your grip on your bike, keeping you stable when riding.
- Goggles and other eye protection help you see clearly and keep debris out of your eyes.
- High-visibility jackets and gear made from reflective materials help others see you in low-visibility conditions.
What Should I Do If I Am in a Motorcycle Accident?
Unfortunately, no amount of care and precaution can protect you entirely from careless drivers. Here’s what to do to protect your rights after a motorcycle accident:
- If you haven’t already done so, seek medical attention for your injuries.
- Save any photos or videos from the accident scene.
- Contact the police to ask them for a copy of the accident report.
- Save medical records, receipts, and other documents related to the crash.
- Stay off social media.
- Report the accident to your insurance company, but do not admit fault or speculate on the cause of the crash.
- Speak to a Georgia motorcycle accident attorney about your case.
Contact a Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The team at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC has extensive experience with Georgia motorcycle accident cases and can help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Georgia.
An Athens resident Alan Cleveland grew up in Rockdale County. As a founding partner of the personal injury law firm of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC he proudly serves his community and provides skilled representation to injury victims and their families all around Georgia. Alan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and went on to graduate, summa cum laude, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. He is also a graduate of Gerry Spence’s renowned Trial Lawyers College (TLC) in Wyoming. In his free time, Alan frequently speaks at continuing legal education seminars. He also volunteered as a youth baseball coach and assists with Georgia’s high school moot court competition held annually. Alan serves as a Trustee of Historic Athens and is a member of the Development Authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County.
