In 2015, 455 motorcyclists lost their lives in Texas accidents. With an average of one death each day, the Texas Department of Transportation is fighting to lower this number, launching a safety campaign to promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
The “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign aims to educate drivers of the safety risks motorcyclists face and encourage drivers to be vigilant in looking for motorcycles on Texas roadways. Traffic safety officials are reminding drivers to exercise the following safety measures to protect motorcyclists and make the roads safer:
- Always look twice to help spot motorcycles, particularly at intersections.
- Always use a turn signal to notify others of your lane change.
- Always check your vehicle’s mirrors before switching lanes.
- Always keep a safe following distance when behind a motorcycle.
- If you notice a motorcycle, assume that they are closer to you than you think.
Increased Risks for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of being injured or killed in an accident versus those in a truck or car. The risk of accident fatality is five times higher for a motorcyclist than a vehicle driver or passenger, and the risk of injury is 26 times higher! In addition to the 455 Texas motorcycle fatalities last year, there were 1,867 serious injuries reported due to traffic accidents.
Many deadly motorcycle accidents result in collisions with other vehicles, namely in which drivers do not see the motorcycle or inaccurately judge the motorcycle’s speed. This Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Texas drivers are urged to carefully assess their surroundings while driving in efforts to prevent deadly accidents and injuries.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, the Fort Worth injury attorneys of Anderson Cummings are available to pursue your claim, working hard to maximize compensation for your family.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form now.