Motorcycle Madness Seizes the Nation

When a recession hits those who want to downsize their cars or give
them up to save on gas, they usually opt to buy a motorbike. Not a bad
idea, but with that choice comes an increased risk of serious personal
injuries or even death.

In Georgia alone in 2008 there were over 390,000 motorcycles
registered. That shouldn’t come as any great surprise in light of the
state of the American economy. Gas prices are ridiculous and people are
hunting for alternative methods to get to work and other places. In
other words, they want a cheaper ride. On the other side of the fence,
even though the ride is indeed a whole lot less expensive than owning a
car, there are a lot of distracted (cell phone and texting) drivers out
there. Add reckless drivers into the mix and this is a guaranteed
recipe for disaster.

Know the laws of the state chosen to bike in, as every state does
have different laws passed that are intended to help protect vehicle
drivers and motorcyclists. In most states the law reads that bikers
have many of the same rights and duties as other vehicles on the road.

Some of the laws aimed at protecting people include protective
equipment use where the biker is required to use protective headgear
and eyewear, unless they are over 21 years old, have had a license for
two years, and have completed a safety course. What difference the age
of the rider makes when it comes to wearing safety helmets and eye
protection is a bit baffling, since older riders are at risk for
accidents as well, but this is one of the reasons you need to know the
law.

The laws for lane use for motorbikes are the same as those for cars.
In other words they may use the whole lane and must not pass a vehicle
using the same lane as the car being overtaken. What is different is
that motorbikes are allowed to drive two abreast in a single lane of
traffic for added safety.

Headphones and earphones are not allowed unless it is a hearing aid
or a single cell phone earpiece. Any passengers may only ride on a
permanently attached seat on the motorcycle and the biker may not carry
anything that would interfere with the bike’s safe operation. In many
states as well any bikes built after 1982 must have lighted headlamps
on at all times and when it comes to insurance, all bikes are required
to have liability insurance to deal with any injuries or property
damage sustained by another person in a crash. Interestingly, in some
states bikers aren’t mandated to carry medical insurance to cover their
own personal injuries.

If faced with a motorcycle accident, speak to an experienced
personal injury attorney to answer any questions that have come up and
discuss legal options.

To learn more about Atlanta personal injury lawyer, Stephen M. Ozcomert or Atlanta personal injury, Atlanta personal injury lawyer, Atlanta personal injury attorney, visit Ozcomert.com.