17 Ways to Stay Safe While Riding a Motorcycle in Atlanta

Motorcycle riding can be an exhilarating experience. The wind in your hair, the sun on your skin, and the sense of freedom that comes with being on two wheels are all part of what makes motorcycling so special. But with that sense of freedom also comes a certain level of risk. Motorcycles are much less stable and more vulnerable to road hazards than other vehicles, which means that riders are more likely to be injured or killed in an accident. In fact, a motorcycle injury lawyer in Atlanta gets calls almost every day from people who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents.

There are steps you can take to minimize the risks of motorcycle riding, however, and stay safe on the road. Here are 17 tips for staying safe while riding a motorcycle in Atlanta:

1. Wear proper gear.

A good motorcycle helmet is essential. It should fit snugly and be certified by the Department of Transportation. In addition to a helmet, wear gloves, boots, long pants, and a jacket made of thick, protective material.

These safety gears are put in place for a very important reason - to preserve your life. Wearing the proper gear will help to protect your body in the event of an accident.

2. Drive defensively.

Be aware of what other drivers are doing and give yourself space to react if necessary. Anticipate what other drivers might do and be ready to take evasive action if necessary.

Defensive driving means being aware of your surroundings and being prepared to react to any potential hazards. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so err on the side of caution and give yourself plenty of space to react to any potential dangers.

3. Be visible.

Make sure you have working headlights and taillights and consider adding reflective strips to your bike. Wear bright clothing so that you’re more visible to other drivers.

The higher your visibility, the less likely you are to be involved in an accident. Make sure your bike's lights are in good working condition and consider wearing bright clothing to make yourself more visible to other drivers.

4. Obey the speed limit.

Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. It’s important to obey the posted speed limit and always ride at a speed that is safe for the conditions.

Just like the safety gears, road safety policies are there to help protect you. Obeying the speed limit is a good way to minimize the risks associated with motorcycle riding.

5. Don’t drink and ride.

Drinking alcohol before riding a motorcycle is a recipe for disaster. Even one beer can impair your judgment and reaction time, which could lead to an accident.

This is self-explanatory - alcohol and motorcycles don't mix. If you've been drinking, don't get on your bike. It's not worth the risk.

6. Take a motorcycle safety course.

There are many different motorcycle safety courses available, and taking one can give you the skills and confidence you need to ride safely.

A study done by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation found that riders who had taken a motorcycle safety course were less likely to be involved in an accident than those who had not. The skills and confidence you gain from taking a motorcycle safety course can go a long way in helping you stay safe on the road.

7. Stay alert and rested.

Riding a motorcycle requires a lot of concentration and focus. If you’re tired or not feeling well, it’s best to just stay off the bike.

It can be tempting to push through when you're tired, but it's not worth the risk. If you're feeling tired or ill, it's best to just stay off the bike and wait until you're feeling better.

8. Avoid road hazards.

Potholes, gravel, oil slicks, and other road hazards can be dangerous for motorcycle riders. Slow down and take caution when approaching them.

Road hazards are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Slow down and take caution when approaching them to avoid becoming a statistic. Being familiar of the common road hazards in your area can also help you avoid them.

9. Be aware of weather conditions.

Windy conditions can make it more difficult to control your motorcycle. Rain and ice can make the roads slick and dangerous. Check the weather forecast before heading out on a ride.

Bad weather conditions can make it more difficult to control your motorcycle and increase the likelihood of an accident. Check the weather forecast before heading out on a ride to avoid being caught in bad weather.

10. Don’t ride in bad weather.

If the weather is bad, it’s best to just stay off the road. There’s no need to take unnecessary risks.

Again, bad weather conditions can make it more difficult to control your motorcycle and increase the likelihood of an accident. If the weather is bad, it's best to just stay off the road.

11. Use your signals.

Let other drivers know what you’re doing by using your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns.

Using your signals is a good way to let other drivers know what you're doing and avoid potential accidents.

12. Watch for cars making left turns.

This is one of the most common types of accidents involving motorcycles. Be extra cautious at intersections and always assume that a car is going to turn left in front of you.

This is one of the most common types of accidents involving motorcycles, so it's important to be extra careful at intersections. Always assume that a car is going to turn left in front of you, and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.

13. Be seen in traffic.

Position yourself in a lane where you’re more likely to be seen by other drivers. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.

Make yourself visible to other drivers by positioning yourself in a lane where you're more likely to be seen. Avoid riding in a driver's blind spot, and use your signals when changing lanes.

14. Pass with caution.

Be cautious when passing other vehicles. Make sure you have enough room and that the driver is aware of your presence before proceeding.

Use caution when passing other vehicles. Make sure you have enough room and that the driver is aware of your presence before proceeding.

15. Don’t ride between lanes.

This is commonly referred to as “lane splitting” and it’s illegal in Georgia. It’s also extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

Lane splitting, or riding between lanes, is illegal in Georgia and should be avoided at all costs. It's dangerous and puts you at risk of being hit by a car.

16. Watch for pedestrians.

Pedestrians can be hard to see, especially at night or in bad weather. Always be on the lookout for them and yield the right-of-way when necessary.

Pedestrians can be hard to see, especially at night or in bad weather. Always be on the lookout for them and yield the right-of-way when necessary.

17. Ride within your abilities.

Don’t try to ride beyond your skill level. If you’re not comfortable riding in traffic or on busy roads, stick to less crowded areas.

Don't try to ride beyond your skill level. If you're not comfortable riding in traffic or on busy roads, stick to less crowded areas.

Take note of a motorcycle injury lawyer in Atlanta

By following these safety tips, you can help reduce the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. However, even the safest rider can be involved in an accident that is beyond their control. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced motorcycle injury lawyer in Atlanta to discuss your legal options. The lawyers at The Brown Firm of Atlanta, Georgia have over 30 years of experience helping motorcycle accident victims get the compensation they deserve.

We’ll fight for you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.