Between 2000 and 2006, Georgia motorcycle accidents rose by over 97 percent. More alarming is the increase of 147 percent in fatalities in those same accidents during that period. Not surprisingly, Fulton County, part of the metro Atlanta area, had the highest number of motorcycle accidents ending in fatalities in a study covering the period 2003 to 2007. Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Cobb counties followed with slightly lower numbers.
In part, because this is a national trend, the Federal Highway Administration is launching the first major study into the cause of motorcycle crashes in nearly thirty years. A 150 percent jump in deaths in motorcycle wrecks in the ten years between 1997 and 2008, as documented by the U.S. Department of Transportation, was an impetus for the study. The study will focus on common factors in motorcycle crashes such as roadways, weather, and the experience level of the rider. "Having a better understanding of what causes these crashes will help us improve roadway safety for everyone," said Administrator Victor Mendez.
According to Georgia Office of Highway Safety Director Bob Dallas, "We have growing support among rider groups, law enforcement agencies, and traffic safety organizations to create a safer riding environment because during recent years, Georgia has experienced a steady increase in fatal motorcycle crashes." In 2006, 3082 motorcyclists were injured and 148 died on Georgia highways.
As part of an effort to create more awareness of motorcycle safety, Georgia implemented the "Share the Road" program which continues to highlight the need for motorists to be aware of and more cautious around motorcyclists. Interestingly, more than sixty-six percent of crashes involving a car and a motorcycle were caused by the driver of the car not seeing the oncoming motorcycle.
From the perspective of a personal injury attorney whose husband loves his Harley and enjoys riding it, my heart skips a beat every time I read statistics like those above. The injuries suffered by motorcyclists in accidents are life-changing including wrongful death, spinal cord injury and brain injury; please share the road.
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