Motorcyclists Are Far More Vulnerable to Serious Injuries

When you are on your bike, you have the open road ahead and the thrill of the ride to look forward to. Unfortunately, other motorists often fail to see motorcycles in their midst, and some do not bother looking for them in the first place. The State of Texas takes the safety of everyone on the road very seriously, which is why it launched its Share the Road Motorcycle campaign.

Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles

The Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign urges all drivers on Texas’s roads to look twice for motorcyclists among them – especially in intersections (where motorcycle accidents are most common) and when leaving one’s lane. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) shares the following grim statistics related to motorcycle accidents in the State of Texas:

• An average of one motorcyclist dies on Texas’s roads every day.

• In 2019 alone, 413 bikers were lost in fatal accidents, and another 1,812 were seriously injured in motorcycle crashes.

• More than 50 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents are caused by crashes with other vehicles.

Often, the crux of the problem is that other motorists simply fail to see motorcyclists on the road or misjudge a bike’s distance and speed. Their small size can make motorcycles appear farther away than they actually are, which can encourage motorists to take unnecessary risks when turning in front of bikes and when calculating other driving maneuvers. TxDOT relays that all of the following factors combine to leave motorcyclists that much more vulnerable to dangerous accidents on our roadways:

• Congested roadways

• Distracted drivers

• The difficulty of spotting motorcycles in traffic

This combination of factors has contributed to far too many motorcycle fatalities.

TxDOT’s Tips for Sharing Our Roads Safely with Motorcycles

TxDOT shares the following safe driving tips that every driver should follow:

• Look twice for motorcycles on the roadway – especially when entering intersections

• Always use your turn indicator and check your blind spots before leaving your lane of traffic

• Give motorcycles as much space as possible on the road and never tailgate a motorcycle

• Allow motorcycles their own full lane

• Obey all posted traffic signs and signals, including speed limits (adjusting your speed for the effects of any inclement weather or other adverse conditions)

• Always assume that the motorcycle you see is closer than it appears to be – and avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle unless you are sure you have plenty of time to do so safely

While you are more difficult to see when you are on your bike, you are still owed the duty of care that every other motorist is owed, which includes sharing the road with you safely.

A Dedicated Killeen Motorcycle Accident Attorney Is on Your Side

Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard – proudly serving Killeen, Texas – is an accomplished motorcycle accident attorney who has the experience, drive, and legal acumen to help you. To learn more, please do not wait to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.