Route Summary
Starting in North Austin, near Lake Travis on FM 2222, there are plenty of exciting twists and turns on this route that takes you to Marble Falls. There are several 10-mph turns on the very popular Lime Creek Road, located just before you turn onto FM 1431. The quick 40-mile jaunt is a nice break from the Austin-area traffic. FM 1431 passes right by the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, where you can take a break from navigating the exhilarating curves and enjoy the wildlife, such as the Golden-cheeked Warbler, the only bird that nests exclusively in Texas!
This route had fatal and incapacitating crashes between 2010 – 2022. In Texas, drivers are not assigned “at fault” in a crash, but law enforcement can assign ‘factors or conditions’ that contributed or may have contributed to a crash. Multiple ‘crash factors and conditions’ can be assigned to one, some, or all vehicles involved in a crash.
The following tables represent data extracted from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (TxDOT’s CRIS).
| Safety (2010-2022) | |
|---|---|
| Crashes | |
| Fatalities | |
| Serious Injuries | |
| Top Weather Crash Condition | |
| Top Lighting Crash Condition | |
| Top Road Crash Condition | |
Crash Narrative Summary
The following list is a summary of the crash events and conditions that have been described by officers investigating crashes along this route. The investigating officer provides his/her opinion of how the crash happened and will emphasize or explain, as necessary, any pertinent facts that are not fully explained elsewhere on the crash report. This section is meant to supplement the above data tables by providing further insight and “clues” into what factors and conditions contributed or may have contributed to crashes along this route.
- 22% of riders did not have a valid motorcycle license. Don’t forget, driving is a privilege, not a right. You have to prove your competence before your license is issued. If you ignore the laws of your state, your license may be taken from you (MSF).
- 32% of motorcyclists struck a guardrail sometime during the crash. Gear isn't cheap, but it is a lot cheaper than an ambulance ride, skin graft, or an extended recovery period off your motorcycle due to injury.
- 47% of motorcycle operators were not wearing a helmet. Protect your brain, skull, and face by wearing a full face, DOT helmet.
- 75% of crashes occurred along a curve. In these crashes, motorcyclists tended to travel at an unsafe speed or failed to control their speed, losing control, and leaving the roadway. Once off the roadway, many struck guardrails, concrete culverts, or rocks.
- 75% of crashes were single vehicle crashes. Do not grow complacent when riding in rural areas, or areas without heavy traffic.
- The average BAC of motorcycle operators who crashed while riding impaired was 0.101. Successfully riding a motorcycle requires exceptional visual, cognitive and physical skill sets that not everyone possesses. Drinking seriously hinders these skills starting with the first drink.
- Choose gear that breaks up the colors of your environment. It is hard to see a rider dressed in all black while they are riding on dark asphalt.
- If you take an evasive action to the shoulder, remember there may be gravel or other debris that can reduce the amount of traction you have.
- Never let your eyes fix on an object for more than two seconds. Keep looking around (MSF).