TYLER, Texas — During the month of May, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is stressing the importance of motorcyclist safety during its annual “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign.
“May through October is an especially dangerous period for motorcyclists in Texas,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “Of all the motorcyclist deaths in Texas during 2020, more than 61% happened in that period. It’s so important to remember that these motorcyclists don’t have the same protections that drivers in vehicles have, and that’s why we’re urging all motorists to stay watchful and alert when traveling alongside motorcycles so everyone can reach their destination safely.”
According to TxDOT, of the 7,481 motorcycle crashes in Texas that occurred in 2020, 1,856 motorcyclists were seriously injured and 482 were killed.
Officials say despite less traffic on the road in 2020 and a 2% reduction in motorcycle crashes, they are alarmed by a 17% increase in Texas motorcycle fatalities compared to 2019.
On average, a motorcyclist is killed in a crash on Texas roads every day—last year 482 died.
According to TxDOT, motorcyclists account for 12% of all traffic fatalities statewide.
TxDOT has these safety tips for drivers to protect motorcyclists and prevent crashes:
- Take extra care when making a left turn. It’s safest to let the motorcycle pass to avoid turning in front of the rider.
- Pay special attention at intersections. Nearly one in three motorcycle fatalities happens at a roadway intersection.
- Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction, such as answering a phone call or changing the radio station, can have deadly consequences.
- Look twice when changing lanes. Check mirrors, check blind spots, and always use turn signals.
- Give motorcyclists room when passing them. Move over to the passing lane and don’t crowd the motorcyclist’s full lane.
- Stay back. If you’re behind a motorcycle, always maintain a safe following distance. When a motorcyclist downshifts instead of applying the brake to slow down, it can catch drivers off guard since there are no brake lights to signal reduced speed.
- Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and drive to conditions.