10 Motorcycle Safety Tips for Georgia Riders

Motorcycles offer fun and adventure, but don’t offer the same level of protection as a car or truck. Because bikers are more exposed, it’s smart to always follow certain safety practices. 

Follow these 10 motorcycle safety steps to stay safe while on the road. 

1. Wear properly fitted safety gear. 
2. Follow Georgia’s traffic laws. 
3. Wear high visibility clothing. 
4. Maintain your motorbike. 
5. Stay alert and do not drive impaired. 
6. Practice defensive biking. 
7. Acquire the correct license or permit. 
8. Sign up for a safety course. 
9. Do not ride in inclement weather. 
10. Be careful when riding with passengers. 

Read on to learn more about motorcycle safety and how to find cheap motorcycle insurance that will help riders stay safe on Georgia’s highways! 

1. Wear Proper Safety Gear 

All motorcyclists should wear the following safety gear to stay safe on the move: 

• A properly fitted helmet compliant with Department of Transportation standards. 
• Face and eye protection (or a full-face helmet for optimal safety). 
• Gloves, long pants, jacket, and sturdy footwear. 

According to the latest motorcycle safety research, riders who wear helmets have fewer head injuries from accidents than those who do not. 

Helmets offer many other benefits, including protection from the wind, debris from the road, and bugs. They help protect the head at any speed in the event of an accident. 

Remember that Georgia requires motorcyclists to wear a DOT-compliant helmet! 

2. Follow All Traffic Laws 

As with any other motor vehicle, bikers must follow all traffic laws and signs. Obey traffic rules and regulations to avoid accidents, fines, and legal issues. 

However, you should consider the other challenges you might face on the road, including: 

• Avoiding lane splitting and filtering: Both splitting and filtering are illegal in the state of Georgia. 
• Allowing tailgaters to pass you: The safest way to deal with a tailgater involves allowing them to pass you in the left lane. 
• Avoiding lane sharing: All vehicles, including motorcycles, should keep to one lane. Do not share lanes with other vehicles. 
• Staying out of blind spots: On a bike, you have even more vulnerability to blind spots. Avoid them and move out of them if needed. 

3. Be Seen with Visibility Gear 

Wear bright colors or reflective clothing to make sure other drivers can see you on the road. Drivers should be able to see you and your bike. You can take steps to improve your visibility with the following gear and techniques. 

• Clothing: Wear bright clothes with a reflector vest, especially at night. Colors that help improve visibility include red, yellow, green, and orange.  
• Signals: Ensure that you always use your turn signals when making a turn. 
• Brake and headlights: One of the most important pieces of safety gear on your bike, your brake lights and headlights should be in good working condition. 
• Horn: Although not as loud as the typical car horn, a motorcycle horn can help you avoid close calls. 

4. Maintain Your Bike 

Ensure that your motorcycle is well maintained and check your brakes, tires and lights regularly. Periodically check all the following components: 

• Check your oil and refresh as needed. 
• Check the battery and recharge or replace it if necessary. 
• Check both tires for their pressure levels and add air or replace them if the tread depth is compromised. 
• Inspect the chain for tightness and lubricate if needed. 

Also, make sure you do your homework when buying a motorcycle for the first time. 

5. Stay Alert and Do Not Ride When Impaired 

As a motorcyclist, you have less protection between you and other vehicles on the road. It’s imperative you always remain alert and focused when rising a motorcycle. 

Georgia’s DUI laws apply to motorcyclists in the state as well. Any adult who drives with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher could face criminal charges, including possible jail time, fines, license suspension, community service, mandatory DUI classes, and harsher penalties for repeat offenses. 

6. Practice Defensive Driving 

Always assume that other drivers cannot see you and anticipate their actions. Ensure that you maintain enough space so you have adequate time to react and sufficient space to maneuver if you need to avoid a potential accident. 

Avoid getting into road rage incidents, and do not engage with drivers that appear to have hostile intentions. Leave the roadway if you feel that another driver is attempting to harm you, and call 911 for the highway patrol or state police. 

Stay defensive by acquiring the right motorcycle insurance  plan for your needs. Shop around to save money when purchasing coverage. 

7. Acquire and Renew Yor Motorcycle License 

To operate a motorcycle in Georgia, the state government requires you to apply for a Class M license or instructional permit. 

This license pertains to any type of motorcycle, including typical bikes, scooters, tricycles, and minibikes that have engines bigger than 51cc. 

Georgia offers riders two methods to acquire a Class M license: 

• Take a certified safety course from a professional instructor. Upon completing the course, you will receive a license test waiver. 
• Apply directly to the DDS. You will need to pass a knowledge test, a hands-on skills evaluation, and a vision test. You will need to provide your own motorcycle for the hands-on test. 

8. Sign Up for a Motorcycle Safety Course 

Take a motorcycle safety course to learn advanced riding skills and techniques that can help you stay safe on the road. While Georgia does not require motorcyclists to continue to receive education after receiving their license, a course can help you to relearn tough concepts or brush up on your driving with the help of a trained professional. 

9. Do Not Ride in Bad Weather 

Reconsider taking your bike out for a ride in slippery or wet weather. If you have no choice, make sure to practice safe inclement weather handling tactics, including: 

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing, such as protective, waterproof footwear, gloves, and rain suits. 
• If you must ride in extremely hot weather, bring plenty of fluids and stop riding if you begin to feel dizzy or unwell. 
• Avoid riding across slick or slippery surfaces. 

10. Consider Passengers Carefully 

Carrying passengers entails additional responsibility. Ensure that your passengers have adequate space to sit on your bike, they understand the responsibilities of a bike passenger, they don’t distract you while you are handling the vehicle, and they wear a properly-fitting helmet.