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This month, watch out for motorcyclists on Georgia roads

On Behalf of | May 18, 2015 | Motorcycle Accidents

Driving is something that many of us do just about every day. We may not give the task that much thought anymore, considering how routine it is. However, driving requires a lot of attention, fast decision-making and judgment calls every time a person is behind the wheel. This is why it can be very helpful to be reminded of safe driving habits from time to time.

For example, this month across Georgia and the U.S. has been named Motorcycle Awareness Month. During May, safety advocates and law enforcement agencies are focusing their efforts on reminding all drivers and motorcycle riders to be safe and share the road responsibly.

Motorcyclists can be much harder to see than larger cars and trucks, but that doesn’t mean that they can be ignored or put in danger on the road. Sadly, this happens all too often when people fail to take a few seconds to scan the road for motorcyclists and make decisions accordingly.

Drivers need to adjust their behaviors around motorcyclists for a few reasons. To begin with, it can be easy to misjudge the speed of smaller vehicles, so drivers pulling out in front of a motorcyclist need more time than they think. In conditions of bad weather or traffic congestion, it can be necessary to give riders enough space and not follow them too closely in cases of unexpected braking or potential slipping. Finally, drivers who aren’t paying attention can miss a rider who may be in their blind spots, so taking extra precautions when changing lanes can be crucial.

These are things that all motorists should already know. Unfortunately, over time people can forget and this can lead to serious and catastrophic accidents. This month, hopefully everyone on the road will make an effort to be more mindful of motorcyclists and take steps to avoid crashes. Those who do not can end up causing a motorcycle accident for which they can and should be held responsible.

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