TxDOT URGES DRIVERS TO “LOOK TWICE FOR MOTORCYCLES”

  

TxDOT is launching a campaign this month in support of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

“Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” asks drivers to be vigilant and cautious, as motorcyclists are more difficult to see and less protected than other motorists.

As spring weather draws more motorcyclists onto roadways, risk of fatalities rises.  Last year, according to TxDOT, 417 motorcyclists died on Texas roadways, an average of more than one fatality a day.

TxDOT Executive Director James Bass said, although motorcycle fatalities were reduced by 17 percent last year, “one death is too many for the Lone Star State”.

TxDOT is asking drivers to:

• Look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.  30 percent of Texas motorcycle deaths in 2018 were intersection-related.
• Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear to be, and avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
• Use turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes.
• Always maintain a safe following distance.
• Give motorcyclists a full lane, especially when passing.
• Obey posted speed limits.

To learn more about the campaign, visit www.txdot.gov.