TXDOT URGES DRIVERS TO SHARE ROAD WITH MOTORCYCLISTS
In an effort to curb an increase in motorcycle fatalities on Texas roads, the Texas Department of Transportation is launching its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May.
The campaign implores drivers to watch closely for motorcycles, especially at intersections and when changing lanes.
“Part of our responsibility as motorists is to always be aware of other vehicles on the road and to give them plenty of space,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable because they can be difficult to see and don’t have the standard safety features found in cars and trucks. On a motorcycle, even a relatively minor collision can be fatal, so we’re urging drivers to please keep an eye out for their fellow motorists.”
Motorcyclists are nearly 5 times more likely to be injured and 29 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car or truck occupants. More than half (54 percent) of fatal motorcycle crashes result from a collision with a car or truck. From 2015 to 2016, Texas motorcycle fatalities increased from 464 to 493 (6 percent), and crashes resulting in seriously injured motorcyclists increased from 1,902 to 2,006 (5 percent). The summer months have the highest incidences of motorcycle crashes. TxDOT’s “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign reminds drivers to:
- Always use turn signals.
- Give motorcycles plenty of space and don’t follow too closely.
- Check mirrors before changing lanes.
- Give motorcyclists a full lane.
This year’s “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign will conduct outreach events inviting visitors to participate in activities that highlight motorcycle safety. Campaign tour stops are:
- April 27 – Austin (statewide launch)
- April 29 – San Antonio
- April 30 – Houston
- May 6 – Waco
- May 18 – El Paso
- May 27 – Dallas
To learn more about the campaign, visit LookTwiceTexas.com or visit TxDOT’s website at txdot.gov. You can also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/TxDOT and on Twitter at twitter.com/txdot.
Are you serious?!? They are the ones who need to watch out for vehicles! They come flying past cars, weaving in and out of traffic and then we are suppose to watch out for them?!? I guess they would be involved in a lot of accidents but it’s no ones fault but theirs!
HOW ABOUT THE RECENT FATTAL ACCIDENT ON 36, WHEN A MOTORCYCLE MAKING A TURN WAS REAR ENDED BY A DISTRACTED DRIVER AND KILLED. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THERE WERE NO SIGNS THAT THE DRIVER EVEN HIT THE BRAKES. I RIDE EVERYDAY AND AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK A CAR CUTS ME OFF, PULLS OUT IN FRONT OF ME, OR COMES INTO MY LANE. WHEN WE A “ZIPPING THROUGH TRAFFIC IT TO GET AWAY FROM PEOPLE NOT PAYING ATTENTION IN CARS
How about a law that doesn’t allow motorcyclists to weave in and out of vehicles that are standing still in a traffic jam? I drive in Houston daily and this occurs way too often. They need to sit in line just like everyone else. They come zooming down the road, in between vehicles, with barely any room to fit their bike, and once the traffic starts moving again, they get caught in a bad spot. A lot of the blame has to be directed at the motorcyclists in most of these accidents.
People that complain about motorcycles in traffic. Did you know that our bikes over heat easily. Our bikes can’t just sit and idle for very long. Also it’s safer to get out of the stop and go traffic for the rider. All the articles I have read says to get out of the stop and go traffic as soon as possible, even if that means riding down the center of two lanes. Understand motorcycle riding before complaining!!!