Posted by duijim in on September 14, 2018
A woman in Atlanta now faces several years in prison after a motor vehicle accident that left a motorcyclist dead. The accident occurred when the woman ran a red light and collided with the motorcyclist.
Law enforcement has since commented that at the time the accident occurred, the driver was intoxicated. It remains to be seen how the driver’s case will resolve, but currently she faces charges of driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, speeding, and several other driving-related offenses.
At any given time in Georgia, many motorcyclists in the state of Georgia are required to share the road with motor vehicle drivers. Many of these drivers operate vehicles in an unsafe manner including speeding, texting while driving, and other dangerous driving patterns. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 72.34 out of 100,000 registered motorcyclists end up in accidents. It is critical for motorcyclists to understand what steps can be taken to avoid ending up in a serious accident.
Stay Off the Road
There are certain times of the day when you are more likely to encounter a drunk driver including holidays, weekends, and late at night. One of the best ways for motorcyclists to avoid being struck by a driver is to stay off the road during peak hours. By planning ahead, the only time you will be on the road is when it is safest to travel, which means that in the end you will have to worry less about being struck by a motor vehicle driver.
Avoid Major Routes
Traveling on major roads (particularly during peak hours) greatly increases your chances of encountering a drunk driver. Instead, it is much safer to stay on small roads. While this type of driving pattern might add time to your journey, you are also protected from encountering a large number of dangerous drunk drivers.
Remain Observant While Traveling Through Intersections
Some of the deadliest types of accidents occur when motorcyclists are attempting to pass through intersections. The most common types of intersection accidents include rear-end collisions, distracted driving, and T-bone collisions. Rather than race through intersections, you should wait until the light turns green and then cautiously proceed.
Remain Cautious While Stopping
One of the largest dangers faced by motorcyclists is not being seen by motor vehicle drivers. This danger is significantly increased when intoxicated motor vehicle drivers are involved. When stopping your motorcycle, you should make sure to apply your brakes gradually and do everything that you can to avoid getting struck by a motor vehicle driver.
Remain Behind Drunk Drivers
Remain observant of drunk drivers, who can often be distinguished by sporadic weaving, unpredictable use of the brakes, playing the stereo loudly, and many other visual clues. If you pass a drunk driver, you are taking a chance that he or she will strike you.
Speak with a Seasoned DUI Attorney
If you or a loved one is impacted by a DUI accident, it is critical to quickly obtain the services of a seasoned DUI attorney. At Yeargan & Kert LLC, we have built a reputation throughout Atlanta and the surrounding area for our strong legal representation. Contact our law office today to schedule an initial free consultation.