Georgia Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle riders are twelve times more likely to be injured of killed in a motorcycle crash in Georgia than occupants of any other type of vehicle, according to a report on crash data published in 2008 by the state's Department of Transportation. The report covered the years 2000 to 2006.

According to the report, in 2006, 72 percent of motorcycle occupants involved in crashes were injured or killed; the figure for occupants of passenger cars was only 16 percent. Although motorcycles were involved in only 0.6 percent of all vehicle crashes that year, they were involved in 1.8 percent of non-fatal injury crashes and 6.2 percent of fatal crashes.

Casualty Increases Outpace Registrations

The number of motorcycles registered in Georgia increased by 60 percent from 2000 to 2006, but the fatality rates were greater, especially as increasingly older riders have been attracted to motorcycles. The increase for those under 40 was 117.1 percent, while the increase for those 40 and older was 254.6 percent.

In an effort to increase motorcycle safety, Georgia law requires that all motorcycle riders wear protective helmets and the state offers safety courses through the Department of Driver Services. Topics include effective turning, braking maneuvers, protective gear, traffic strategies, and maintenance. There are also safety courses for motor scooter operation.

Safe Motorcycling Demands Skill and Caution

Safety experts know that, compared to other types of vehicles, safe operation of motorcycles requires extra attention to driving skills and traffic conditions. This is especially true because motorists are often unaware of the presence of motorcycle until it is too late to avoid a crash.

Consult a Lawyer

Even the most conscientious motorcyclist can become a crash victim. If this happens to you, there may be medical bills and repair bills to pay, as well as loss of income. Don't depend on insurance companies to provide all the financial help you need. Enlist the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to get what you deserve.

The motorcycle accident attorneys of Proner & Proner have experience helping victims of Georgia motorcycle accidents.