What Motorists Can Do
Most motorcycle crashes occur when another driver turns in front of them.
With more than 300,000 motorcycles and mopeds registered in Texas—and that number growing by the year—more and more of our friends, relatives, and neighbors are taking to Texas roads. That means you’ll be even more likely to see riders on the roads you drive.
Make sure you check out the new Driver Ed video and Public Service Announcements, on the Look PSA page.
The sobering stats
- 75 percent of motorcycle crashes involve a collision with another vehicle, usually a passenger car
- Texas’ fatality rate per 10,000 registered motorcycles increased by more than 30% 1997 to 2001
- From 1997 through 2001, motorcyclist injuries increased by 75 percent.*
- More than 50% of all crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger car occurr because the motorist did not see the motorcycle (or didn’t see it soon enough to respond).
*Texas Department of Public Safety
So What Can I Do?
Look … then look again for motorcycles, especially when turning left.
Most motorcycle crashes occur when another driver turns in front of them. When you drive, you have an automobile wrapped around you specifically designed to help you survive a crash. Motorcyclists have a helmet and the clothes on their back. What can you do to help protect them?
- Look longer for motorcycles, especially when turning left
- Look for riders when pulling out on the road
- Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers
- Give motorcycles their full lane
- Use signals when appropriate
- Treat riders with courtesy and respect
- Allow plenty of space when following a motorcycle
- Watch for motorcycles in your blind spot
- Maintain safe following and stopping distances
- Slow down in poor driving conditions
