The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are currently observing National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. They’re calling on drivers in Texas and all around the country to “Share the Road” with motorcycle rider. Motorcyclists continue to be one of the more vulnerable roadway user groups. Even with helmets, they’re still at an increased risk for catastrophic and potentially deadly injuries. Drivers are reminded to put their phones down and pay attention to the road. Motorcycles are smaller than traditional passenger occupant vehicles, so drivers need to be on the lookout.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
- In Texas in 2015, 455 motorcycle riders died in traffic crashes.
- An additional 1,867 motorcycle riders were injured in crashes across the state.
- In 2014, 4,586 motorcyclists were killed in crashes nationwide.
- An additional 88,000 motorcycle riders were injured across the country in 2014.
- Helmets saved an estimated 1,630 motorcyclists in 2014.
Share The Road with Motorcycles
Sharing the road is all about being a courteous, respectful and attentive roadway user. Drivers that share the road always check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Motorcyclists need more room to maneuver in the event of a roadway emergency, so drivers are reminded to give them plenty of space. You should never try to share a lane with a motorcycle rider either. Listed below are the TxDOT’s top five tips for drivers to improve motorcycle safety.
TxDOT’s Tips for Drivers
- Look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
- Use turn signals.
- Don’t follow Motorcycles too closely and give them a full lane.
- Check mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes.
- Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear.
Put Down the Phone
The best way to keep motorcycle riders safe this month and all year long, is to make a commitment to distraction-free driving. You can’t Share the Road with motorcycles if you’re sending or receiving a text. Put down the phone, and lookout for motorcycles, pedestrians, cyclists and other roadway users. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident due to a dangerous, distracted or negligent driver in Wichita Falls or in any of the surrounding Texoma communities, contact the skilled and proven team at the Altman Legal Group at 940-761-4000 for a free case consultation.