Look Twice: Protecting Motorcyclist on Georgia Roads

As motorcycle riding continues to grow across Georgia, the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) is reminding everyone on the road that seeing a motorcycle can be the difference between a routine trip and a life-changing tragedy.

"As crisp weather brings more motorcyclists out onto Georgia roads, safety must be a shared priority for everyone behind the wheel. I urge every driver to slow down, eliminate distractions, check blind sports and look twice before changing lanes or making a turn," commented DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon.

In 2025, 175 motorcyclists lost their lives in motorcycle crashes across Georgia. This figure is slightly lower than in 2024. While the decrease is encouraging, the numbers remain a serious reminder that motorcycle safety requires the attention and cooperation of everyone sharing the road.

"Motorists are urged to remain aware of motorcyclists at all times to keep everyone safe," said Holly Hegyesi, GMSP Manager. "Most motorcycle-vehicle crashes occur on city streets, not on highways. Motorcycles are smaller and can be easy to overlook, so drivers need to make a conscious effort to see them."

Crashes were most frequent in the Atlanta Metro region - including DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett counties - as well as rural counties such as Bibb, Towns, Lumpkin, Union and Chatham.

Why Are Motorcyclists at Higher Risk?

Motorcycles provide riders with freedom, mobility and an exciting way to travel. Unlike people inside cars and trucks, motorcyclists have little protection in a crash.

Their smaller size and profile also make motorcycles more difficult to spot in traffic. A motorcycle may be there one moment and seem to disappear the next, particularly when a driver is distracted or fails to actively scan the roadway.

Many fatal motorcycle crashes involve a collision with another vehicle. Common contributing factors include drivers who:

• Misjudge a motorcycle's speed or distance
• Do not see the motorcycle at all
• Fail to yield the right-of-way, particularly when turning left at intersections

Sometimes, it only takes a split-second lapse in attention to change everything.

A motorcycle is not just another vehicle on the road. There is a person behind the handlebars - and that person has somewhere to go, someone waiting for them, and every intention of making it home.

Braking May Not Always Be Obvious

Motorcycles can slow down in ways that are different from cars.

Riders may downshift to reduce speed, particularly when approaching curves or changing traffic conditions. Since this technique may not activate the motorcycle's brake lights, a driver following too closely may not immediately realize that the motorcycle ahead is slowing.

That is why following distance matters. Giving a motorcyclist extra space provides more time to recognize changes in speed and react safely.

What Drivers Can Do

Safe roads start with everyone paying attention and looking out for one another. Drivers can help protect motorcyclists by making these simple habits part of every trip:

• Check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
• Look twice before turning, especially at intersections.
• Leave extra space when following a motorcycle.
• Stay focused and eliminate distractions behind the wheel.
• Expect motorcycles. Especially during the warmer months, more riders are out on Georgia roads.
• Remember the person behind the helmet. That rider is someone's friend, neighbor, parent, child or loved one.

See the Bike. See the Rider. Save a Life.

Motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility. Riders can make smart choices, wear proper protective gear and seek training - but drivers also play a critical role in preventing motorcycle crashes.

With riding season in full swing, slow down, stay alert and look twice. Take that extra moment at an intersection. Check your blind spot before changing lanes. Give motorcycles room to maneuver.

When you see a motorcycle, you're not just seeing a vehicle - you're seeing a life.

Every decision behind the wheel matters. Drive like their lives depend on it - because they do.

The Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP), a division of the Georgia Department of Driver Services, regulates motorcycle rider education and promotes traffic safety and awareness across the state. For more information, visit Motorcycle Safety Program - Registration.