As part of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, the Texas Department of Transportation launched a statewide campaign “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles.”
The goal of this campaign is to remind drivers to always remain alert and watch for motorcycles while on the road.
According to TX DOT statistics, more than half of fatal motorcycle crashes happen as a because of a collision with another vehicle.
There is some good news – motorcycle fatalities decreased by 17% last year, but still, there were 417 motorcycle fatalities in Texas alone, according to Public Information Officer Rickey Dailey.
He says most motorcycle deaths in 2018 happened in July, with 55 deaths statewide. As the weather gets warmer, there are more motorcycle riders on the road, and the potential for fatalities gets more serious.
However, it is during this time of the year when the Department of Transportation starts seeing a spike in motorcycle crashes.
Car drivers often forget motorcycle riders don’t have big steel doors, seat belts and airbags to protect them. Motorcycles can be very difficult to see so it’s of vital importance to remind car drivers that they aren’t alone on the road. It is very important for them to look twice for motorcycles, especially in intersections and when changing lanes.
Dailey says 30% of motorcycle deaths in 2018 were interception related. On average, one motorcycle rider dies each day on Texas roads. Last year, 1920 riders were severely injured and 417 lost their lives in crashes.
Each year this time, a great number of Texas cities issue proclamation that state May as a Motorcycle Awareness Month. This year, the Texas Department of Transportation’s campaign will make stops at festivals and baseball games across Texas to highlight motorcycle safety in communities.
Here are the most important steps drivers can take to prevent crashes with motorcycles:
- Share the road and always look twice for motorcycles, especially on intersections or when changing lanes.
- Always use turn signals.
- Give motorcycles the space they need and don’t get too close to them
- Always check your mirrors before changing lanes
- Give motorcycle riders a full lane
Check out the video report from KRIS 6 News
Source: KRIS 6 News
