It can seem like an easy thing to say that drivers need to be aware of their surroundings when operating a vehicle on the roadways of Georgia. But, in reality, there is far more to it than that. In fact, there are groups throughout the country, including in Georgia, who make a special point of attempting to increase driver awareness of motorcycles in particular.
Why is it necessary to make an attempt to increase motorist awareness of motorcycles? Well, for starters, motorcycles present a smaller profile on the roadways, making it more common for motorists to fail to notice motorcycles at all. As spring rolls around and summer comes into full effect, most drivers know that motorcyclists will be out in greater numbers. But, those same drivers still may not make an increased effort to make a point of looking for motorcycles as they share the road with them.
One of the biggest reasons why motorcycle advocates attempt to raise awareness of motorcyclists on the roads is due to the potential damage that can result from a collision between a motorcycle and another vehicle. While a “fender-bender” between two cars may not result in any injuries at all, a motorcycle accident can leave a motorcyclist with severe, and maybe even life-threatening, injuries. If they are lucky, motorcyclists who are involved in a collision with another vehicle may be able to walk away with cuts, bruises or maybe even broken bones. But, at worst, they could be hospitalized for months, or the accident could even result in a fatality.
Motorists in Georgia need to be aware of motorcycles on the road. They need to make a point of being on the lookout for motorcycles, because failing to see them due to a smaller profile is no excuse for a negligent driver causing a motorcycle accident.
Source: The Evening Sun, “Motorcycle group: Looking twice can save a life,” Chris Cappella, Feb. 29, 2016