Our Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys motorcycle accident attorneys in Texas stand beside the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in recognizing May 2022 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
According to the NHTSA, last year alone there were nearly 5,600 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes across the U.S. — an 11% increase from the previous year, accounting for 14% of all traffic fatalities.
Our experienced team of legal professionals are founding members of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers who are committed to protecting the rights and well-being of our biker communities throughout the state.
In conjunction with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we would like to remind all motorists that safe driving and riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways.
Safety Tips for Motorists When Sharing the Roadways with Motorcyclists
Research shows that motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities each year.
Drivers can help curb motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities when they:
- Observe all traffic signs, signals, and laws.
- Yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections.
- Avoid all distractions, including dangerous cellphone use behind the wheel that places motorcyclists and other road users at risk.
- Use turn signals when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Allow more following distance — beyond three to four seconds — when behind a motorcycle.
When driving a much larger car, truck, or SUV, it is easy to misjudge the distance and speed of a motorcyclist. That is why it is important to never turn in front of a motorcycle. Allow the rider to proceed through the intersection before making a turn, to ensure your and their safety.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists When Sharing the Roadways with Other Drivers
Per vehicle mile traveled last year across the nation, motorcyclists were about 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash.
Riders are also four times more likely to be injured in a collision, including the over 82,500 who were hurt in crashes across the nation last year.
Riders can help curb motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities when they:
- Observe all traffic signs, signals, and laws.
- Wear a DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet with an “FMVSS No. 218 Certified” label and other personal protective gear.
- Never ride while impaired or distracted.
- Always obey the speed limit.
- Complete rider education courses and ride with a current motorcycle license.
- Ride defensively, remaining on the lookout for distracted motorists.
It is up to all of us to keep each other safe on our Texas roadways, including motorcyclists who are much harder to see in traffic. Although May is officially motorcycle safety awareness month, it is important to follow these safety tips year-round.
Have You Been Injured in a Texas Motorcycle Accident? We Can Help.
If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one during a motorcycle accident in Texas, call our skilled Austin personal injury attorneys at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys at (512) 883-0277 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
We pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you.
