TxDOT's 'Share the Road' Campaign Offers Tips for Drivers to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Motorists can do their part to keep bikers safe

Motorcyclists in Texas face unique dangers when taking to our roads and highways, and one organization is leading the fight to keep them safe. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has launched its "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" campaign to increase awareness among drivers and reduce the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities on Texas roads. As part of this campaign, TxDOT has released a set of safety tips for drivers to help prevent motorcycle accidents.

Nationally, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is observed in May, highlighting the importance of looking for bikers and avoiding reckless driving habits that put motorcyclists at risk. The timing of this month-long campaign coincides with the beginning of the riding season in many parts of the country. The statewide and national awareness campaigns serve as important reminders for drivers to remain vigilant and share the road with motorcyclists.

Why is it important for drivers to be aware of bikers?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), on average, one motorcyclist dies in a crash on Texas roads every day. In 2022 alone, 562 riders died, and 2,422 were seriously injured in motorcycle wrecks.

A major factor contributing to the high rate of motorcycle accidents in Texas is drivers' lack of awareness and visibility of motorcycles on the road.

TxDOT urges drivers to:

• Look out for motorcycles when making a left turn. Failure to look for motorcycles when making a left turn is a common cause of motorcycle accidents, as drivers may misjudge the distance and speed of the bike and turn in front of it.
• Don't overlook motorcyclists when approaching or going through intersections. Intersections are a common site for motorcycle accidents, as drivers may not see motorcycles entering or crossing the intersection.
• Give driving your full attention and avoid distractions like cell phones. Distracted driving is a major cause of all types of accidents, including motorcycle accidents. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted are more likely to overlook bikers.
• Look twice for motorcycles when changing lanes or merging. Bikers can be hard to see, and drivers may not realize that a motorcycle is in their blind spot or approaching when changing lanes or merging onto the highway.
• Give bikers plenty of room when passing, and never share a lane with a motorcycle. Drivers should give motorcycles plenty of room when passing and never try to share a lane with a motorcycle, as this can be dangerous.
• Stay back and maintain a safe following distance. Motorcyclists can slow down quickly, and drivers following too closely may not have enough time to react, leading to rear-end collisions and other crashes.
• Obey posted speed limits. Speeding is a major cause of all accidents, including motorcycle wrecks. Drivers who are speeding may not have enough time to react to avoid a collision.
• Drive to conditions. Drivers should adjust their driving to the current conditions, including weather, road conditions, and traffic.

By following these safety tips, drivers can do their part to reduce motorcycle accidents and fatalities on Texas roads.