Motorcyclists face certain risks. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that riders are 28 times more likely to be catastrophically injured or killed in a crash than the occupants of passenger vehicles. Motorcycle passengers also face a significant risk. If you are a motorcyclist who is riding with a passenger, it is imperative that you take proactive safety precautions. At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, we are strong and experienced advocates for motorcycle safety. Within this article, our Augusta motorcycle accident attorney offers actional safety tips that you can use to safely ride with a passenger in a two-up position in Georgia.
Safety Tip #1: Make Sure You Both Wear the Proper Protective Gear
When motorcycle touring with a passenger, you should ensure that both you and your passenger are wearing the appropriate protective gear. Along with other things, this includes:
- Helmets that meet safety standards (required);
- Eye protection (required);
- Gloves;
- Long pants;
- Sturdy footwear; and
- Abrasion-resistant jackets.
Protective gear not only minimizes the risk of severe injuries in case of an accident but also protects against weather elements and road debris. Each piece of gear should fit properly.
Safety Tip #2: Communicate With Your Passenger
Motorcyclists need to communicate with their passengers—especially when two-up touring. Effective communication is key to safe two-up motorcycle riding. Before setting off, establish a set of hand signals or agree on methods to communicate over the noise of the engine. Often this includes tapping on the rider’s shoulder or using intercom systems designed for helmets. Communication about when to lean, stop, or adjust seating positions can prevent accidents. Finally, you should ensure your passenger understands the importance of minimal movement at high speeds and during maneuvers.
Safety Tip #3: Ensure that You Have the Riding Skill (Practice and Training)
Do you have experience two-up touring on a motorcycle? You should try to get some before getting out on the highway. Riding with a passenger requires more skill than solo riding. It is important to have enough practice and proper training before taking someone else on your motorcycle. An understanding of how to balance the increased weight—particularly when accelerating, braking, and cornering—can make a big difference. It is often a best practice to take a motorcycle safety course that includes riding with a passenger. You should also practice with your passenger in a safe, controlled environment like an empty parking lot.
Safety Tip #4: Adjust Your Speed for Riding With a Passenger
The presence of a passenger affects the motorcycle’s performance—especially its acceleration and braking distance. It is vital to adjust your speed accordingly to maintain safety. When two-up touring, you should always ride at a moderate speed that allows ample time to react to road conditions and traffic. Notably, slower speeds make it easier to manage the extra weight, particularly in adverse weather conditions or on less ideal road surfaces. Prioritize control over speed when touring with a passenger.
Safety Tip #5: Avoid Dramatic Lean Angles When Turning
When touring with a passenger on a motorcycle in Georgia, you should always avoid taking turns with dramatic lean angles. Excessive leaning can unsettle the motorcycle’s balance and, as a consequence, make it harder to control. Avoiding major lean angles is particularly important when carrying a passenger. The combined weight shifts the bike’s center of gravity—meaning the angle may be different than you expect. Riders should approach turns with caution—reducing their speed before the turn and maintaining a steadier and more upright position through the curve.
Motorcyclists and their Passengers Trust Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers
Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers is a boutique law firm committed to fighting for motorcycle accident victims, including motorcycle riders and motorcycle passengers. We encourage you to review our testimonials, our case results, and to contact us directly with specific questions about your legal case. We believe that motorcycle passengers deserve justice and the maximum compensation after a crash, including for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Top-Tier Georgia Motorcycle Crash Lawyer Today
At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys are passionate advocates for justice. If you were involved in a collision with a passenger on the motorcycle, we are here as a legal resource that you can trust. Call us today at 1-866-529-2453 or contact us online for your no cost, no obligation case review. Our firm represents motorcycle accident victims in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia.