As a Georgia Motorcycle accident law firm, we are always searching for information to provide to the public which increases safety awareness for motorcyclists. The Rome News Tribune posted the following article on their website recently:
As the weather gets warmer and gas prices get higher, more people choose transportation that has two wheels instead of four.
Motorcycles take less fuel, and many people enjoy riding them. But safety is key to enjoying the ride.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety was awarded a $70,000 grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to improve motorcycle safety in the state.
The grant will be used for six road checks, the first of which will be March 9 along I-75 in Monroe County. During the same time, law enforcement will conduct checks in Chatham County on I-95.
It is during these road checks that officers often find motorcyclists who don't have the right licenses, police said.
Motorcyclists are supposed to have a Class M license, which requires a motorcycle driving test.
"I think one of the biggest problems around here is the lack of a motorcycle class driver's license, which means you haven't proven you can handle one or that you know the law requirements regarding one," said Lt. Roy Willing¬ham of the Rome Police Department.
Sgt. Greg Beck of the Floyd County Police Department said if motorcyclists do not have the proper license and are caught, they will be cited and possibly taken to jail. The motorcycle will be confiscated, but the driver can get it back once they have the proper license.
Most do comply with driving laws, Beck said. Motorcycle violations usually involve speed and reckless driving, he said.
"There is a small percentage that drive recklessly," Beck said. "Those are the ones we are trying to reach."
Law enforcement officials have been cracking down on motorcyclists in an effort to reduce deaths.
Their efforts appear to be working.
In 2008, 167 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in Georgia, according to statistics from the Department of Public Safety.
That number dropped to 110 last year. So far this year, six motorcyclists have lost their lives in wrecks.
Lt. Col. Mark McDonough, deputy commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, said the department initiated a public education project in 2009 to raise awareness among all drivers of the need to watch for motorcyclists.
The efforts included safety education presentations to school, church and civic groups by Georgia State Troopers as well as media outreach.
The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of accidents throughout Georgia. If you or a loved one has been injured at the fault of another, contact our firm for a free case evaluation.
The Murray Law Firm was pleased to learn that the Atlanta Medical Center has been designated as a Level I trauma center by the State of Georgia. Many of our most severely injured Clients have received life-saving services at the hospital, and we believe that the Level I designation was well warranted. We congratulate the administrators, physicians, and staff of the hospital on the recognition.
Allstate Insurance Company recently released information indicating that the intersection at Peachtree Street and 14th Street is the most dangerous intersection for motorcyclists in Fulton County, Georiga. According to the 
MADD
