May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: Here's What You Need to Know to Stay Safe All Year

If you're like many Georgia motorcyclists, you're probably just itching to hit the open road on your bike once the weather turns warmer.

However, motorcycle enthusiasts aren't the only ones who want to get out and take advantage of the Peach State's fresh air and beautiful weather—and with the increase in the number of both motorcycles and cars on the road, it's more important than ever to stress the need to share it safely.

According to the National Safety Council, more than 5,000 motorcycle riders and passengers are killed in crashes each year in the United States—a figure that's more than doubled since the late 1990s. Considering that more than 80 percent of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death, it's wise to brush up on what you can do to help yourself stay safe.

• Helmets can help prevent fatal motorcycle crash injuries. Choose a full-coverage helmet with a DOT sticker, indicating that the helmet complies with essential safety standards.
• Know—and follow!—the rules of the road. Don't speed, drive while distracted, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Safely operating a motorcycle requires more skill than driving a passenger vehicle. Periodic motorcycle safety training courses can be beneficial, even for experienced riders.
• Learn to drive defensively.
• Assume that other motorists won't look for or see you and take steps to avoid riding in blind spots. Make yourself as visible as possible by wearing bright or reflective clothing, and use your headlights both during the day and night.
• Know how to protect your rights if you're injured in an accident.

Hurt in a Motorcycle Crash? We Can Help

On the road, our safety depends on our actions, as well as the actions of others, which means that no matter how careful you are, you could still be seriously injured in an accident. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash you didn't cause, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the accomplished Atlanta-area personal injury attorneys at Rechtman & Spevak to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.