Ever since the pandemic, the number of Texans killed in motorcycle accidents has been steadily increasing. Shockingly, the amount of deadly crashes at intersections rose by 21%. Because of this alarming trend, Texas authorities advise that automobile drivers double check for motorcycles whenever they can. The sheer fact of the matter is that motorcycles are often much more difficult for drivers to spot than a car. Many drivers have had the experience of almost side-swiping a motorcycle due to a blind spot and then avoiding peril at the very last second. A motorcycle crash lawyer, however, will mostly hear the stories about when such a scenario didn’t work out — when luck was not on the side of the rider.

Did You Know There’s a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month?

In Texas, as is the case all over the country, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is observed in May. Texas officials recommend that drivers use this opportunity to focus on giving motorcycles more space on the road — especially when they are turning their vehicles. Indeed, the state of Texas has been taking the rise in motorcycle fatalities very seriously. A program called “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” has been established to combat the problem. This campaign seeks to publicize a lot of surprising stats about motorcycle accidents in Texas. With an average of 1.3 motorcycle fatalities per day, TX officials are motivated to get the word out. And, with over half of deadly motorcycle accidents happening as a result of colliding with another vehicle on the road, all drivers and riders need to exercise more care when it comes to their behavior on the road.

One Way to Beat the Statistics: Wear Your Helmet While Riding in Texas

Did you know that Texas has one of the highest motorcycle fatality rates in the entire country? Some attribute this to the fact that helmets are not mandatory for riders over 21 who have completed a safety course or can show proof of insurance. Law enforcement officers, however, are prevented by law from asking motorcycle riders to show proof of the aforementioned documents. The laws concerning helmets are significant because wearing one reduces the risk of death in a motorcycle accident by a whopping 37% according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

It just comes down to common sense; injuries to the head are the leading causes of death in motorcycle accidents. If you speak to a Huntsville lawyer motorcycle accident, chances are that they will be painfully aware of these statistics as well. They hear about it on a daily basis; they will also know that riders have been encouraged to wear DOT (Department of Transportation) compliant helmets. However, statistics have shown that any helmet is better than no helmet in a motorcycle wreck scenario. When it comes to preventing injuries to the brain, motorcycle helmets have been found to be 67% effective. Although this is not perfect, it still demonstrates how helmets can be lifesavers. With approximately 50% of the motorcycle deaths in Texas occurring with riders who were not wearing helmets — during the years 2012 through 2021 — it seems like there is vast room for improvement in this area. The NHTSA also points out that people are 22 times more likely to perish in a motorcycle accident than in a car accident (per mile traveled).

Recommendations from TxDOT: How We Can All Be Safer on the Road

The recent campaign sheds light upon some changes everyone can make in order to make a safer experience on Texas roads. One of the tips is to slow down — although it may seem simple, speed can make all the difference between life and death. After all, many automobile drivers who hit motorcyclists will later state that they just “didn’t see” the person on the bike. Any good motorcycle accident lawyer will also tell you that left turns can be a common trap. If you see a motorcycle rider attempting to make a left turn, hang back and give them ample space. Whatever you do, do not cut them off. Although it may add more time to commute, you could possibly be saving a life. Next, distracted driving is also the enemy of both motorcyclists and those driving cars. A slight second of inattention can lead to lifetime of regret. Those driving automobiles may want to consider activating their phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or even putting the phone in the glovebox while on the road. It may seem extreme, but it may also prevent you from hitting a motorcyclist and then being involved in a Texas motorcycle accident that was completely preventable. In this case, it always better to be safe than sorry.

When you are in a car that is behind a motorcycle, realize that you may not see brake lights before the bike stops. If the motorcyclist is downshifting to slow down, you may not notice the change immediately. This is why it is always a good idea to follow motorcycles at a healthy distance. Give yourself the time to react to their changes in speed. Remember to use your turn signals as well. Even if you don’t see anyone around you at the moment, recognize that there may be a motorcycle in your blind spot. When you are changing lanes, be fastidious about checking your mirrors and ensuring that no one is in your way. In general, give motorcycles as much room as you can; it is especially crucial that you do this when passing a motorcycle. Also, as stated previously, motorcycles deaths at intersections have been increasing in Texas. This is why the state has been pouring resources into getting the word out about this startling statistic. Once you get a green light, do not immediately speed off. Check to make sure that no one else is running a red light on the other side. Look to see if any motorcycles have gone ahead of you or are lurking on the side; just this simple action wields the potential to help save lives at Texas intersections.

Motorcycles Are Part of the 2%

Were you aware that motorcycles account for only about 2% of the vehicles that are on the road at any given time? This is even more surprising when one discovers that motorcycles are involved in 12% of fatal road accidents. There is just no getting around it; although many riders find a passion and exhilaration in riding motorcycles, it will always be more dangerous than riding in a passenger vehicle. Once a rider accepts this fact, it is up to them to take steps that can reduce their risk of dying in a motorcycle accident. As any Huntsville attorney motorcycle accident will tell you, an ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure in this scenario. Taking small, reasonable steps can reduce your risk of suffering a tragedy while riding a motorcycle.

Sobering Statistics: Why You Should Not Drink and Ride

You shouldn’t need a motorcycle accident attorney to tell you that operating a motorcycle while impaired can be a highly risky proposition. The facts speak for themselves. Last year, a shocking 30% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents were later found to be over the legal limit for drinking alcohol. While driving an automobile while intoxicated is also a terrible idea, piloting a motorcycle while under the influence is an even more terrifying choice. After all, riding a motorcycle requires a great deal of balance and coordination. It also demands lightning-quick reflexes that allow you to react quickly when you suddenly find yourself in an unsafe situation on the road. Alcohol, unfortunately, affects all of the above. Not only will you suffer from slower reflexes, but your balance and coordination will also be off. In Texas, the legal limit for alcohol is 0.08% BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration). However, those who are serious about staying safe should consider abstaining completely from alcohol and other substances.

Take Care When You’re a Novice Motorcycle Rider

There are some areas in life where experience truly matters, and riding motorcycles happens to be one of them. TxDOT reports that riders with less than a year of experience are vastly overrepresented in accident statistics. In fact, it is this novice category of riders who were reported to be involved in 20% of motorcycle accidents in Texas last year. Motorcyclists are encouraged to do as much training and learning as they possibly can before taking to the open road. When the stakes are so high, it pays to spend extra time cultivating your skills — and being honest about your abilities. The Texas Motorcycle Safety Program (TMSP) can be a great resource for those who are serious about staying safe.

Living in a Rural Area Will Not Completely Protect You

Although it is true that the majority of fatal accidents on motorcycles occur in the metropolitan areas of Texas — Austin, Dallas, Houston, and others — many are surprised to learn that 40% of the fatalities occur in more rural regions of the state. Any motorcycle crash attorney in the state will tell you that they have clients in many different areas of Texas. There seems to be a perception that the lack of crowding and traffic in smaller towns makes for a safer situation, but this is not necessarily the case. Riders in rural areas still need to practice extreme vigilance. After all, less traffic lights and rural roads will sometimes lead to riders pushing their luck and going faster on their bikes. With speed representing a major risk factor, this is just one way that rural riders can get into trouble. Also, it is worthwhile to point out that riders in rural areas may find that they are not close to the type of lifesaving care that could be offered in a more populated area.

Staying Aware of the Statistics in Texas

When everyone on the road — motorcyclists and automobile drivers included — does their best to honor safety standards, there is a hope that some of these statistics will start reducing soon. After all, there should be a way to combine common sense with the intoxicating allure of the open road. Although riding a motorcycle will always possess inherent dangers, there are a number of ways that Texas motorcyclists can cut down on their risks of suffering a serious accident.