By Stephanie Springer - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) –For the first time in 11 years, motorcycle deaths are down by ten percent.
The Governors Highway Safety Association attributes it to fewer beginner bikers and motorcyclists traveling fewer miles.
It can be described as a thrill like no other."There is no freedom that I'm aware of that is legal that you can enjoy as much as the freedom of riding a motorcycle, said motorcycle owner Louis King.
But if you are not careful, its a thrill that can be deadly. "It can be more dangerous than a loaded weapon if you don't respect it," said King.
Something King learned from riding a motorcycle for almost fifty years."It was the early hours of the morning, an operator of a truck didn't see me and T-boned him, King said.
But its something he eventually recovered from. "It actually took three years of therapy to get back up on one again," he said.
Now he hopes to pass important lessons on to other riders. "Experience is a hard teacher she gives a test first and a lesson afterwards," said King.
For the first time in more than a decade motorcycle deaths are down nationwide.
"I think people are getting wise and actually paying attention on the roadways," said Scott McClure with the Georgia State Patrol.
Scott McClure says he sees the trend locally, too. "We cover a four county area in this post and last year we worked ten motorcycle accidents and unfortunately two of those were a fatality, that was down from the year before," he said.
He attributes that to public awareness."A lot of times I see where the vehicle just doesn't see the motorcycle and they will pull out right in front of them and it doesn't end up in a good situation with that happens," said McClure.
And more people taking classes, I wouldn't limit it to beginners I believe everyone should take the course even the refresher course," said McClure.
Louis advises to just use common sense when operating such a powerful machine.
Troopers say visibility is key for both motorists and those on motor cycles. If you ride a motorcycle, McClure recommends wearing reflective vests, using flashing head lights and even honking your horn when you approach an intersection.
Click here for Georgia Department of Drivers Services Motorcycle Safety Class
Click here for Harley Davidson New Rider course
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