Motorcycles and news

Safety advocates report that speeding continues to be the leading cause of crashes in Texas, accounting for four in ten crashes. With the growing popularity of motorcycling, they also note that riders are especially vulnerable when vehicles and motorcycles collide.

“More than 90 percent of crashes involving motorcycles result in the motorcyclist’s death or some level of injury to the motorcyclist,” said Carlos Lopez, TxDOT’s traffic operations director. “We’re reminding drivers to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, especially at intersections where many crashes occur.”

TxDOT will air TV and radio commercials until August 15, not only urging drivers to ease up on the accelerator but also to be on the lookout for motorcyclists.

Co-sponsoring the effort is the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association (TMRA), which educates riders and promotes motorcycle safety in Texas.

TxDOT and TMRA have these safety tips for sharing the road with motorists:

- Always look twice for motorcyclists ­ at intersections, entering highways and whenever turning or changing lanes. Motorcycles small size often makes them hard to see, and motorcyclists can get lost in your blind spots.
- When passing a motorcyclist, move to the other lane and allow a full lane for the motorcycle. After doing so, avoid reentering the lane too quickly.
- Always maintain a safe following distance.

In 2005, 360 motorcyclists were killed on Texas roads.