May kicks off Motorcycle Awareness Month as the Texas Department of Transportation launches Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign, said Marcus Sandifer, TxDOT spokesman.
"On average, a motorcyclist dies in a crash on Texas roads every day," Sandifer said. "Each year, at the end of April, many Texas cities issue proclamations that observe May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month."
Last year, 455 Texas motorcyclists were killed in accidents.
"Motorcyclists are nearly five times more likely than car or truck occupants to be injured in a crash and 26 times more likely to be killed," Sandifer said. "Besides last year's 455 fatalities, another 1,867 motorcyclists were seriously injured
in 2015.
"About half of fatal motorcycle crashes result from a collision with a car or truck. Drivers cite not seeing the motorcycle or misjudging how fast it is traveling as the reason for the collision."
Sandifer said the Share the Road campaign is meant to help drivers to remember to 'Look Twice for Motorcycles' while honoring the memory of those lost in crashes on Texas roadways.
"TxDOT's Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign will make stops at baseball games and festivals in Texas communities where guests can participate in activities that highlight motorcycle safety," Sandifer said.
Along with looking twice for motorcycles (especially at intersections), Sandifer said the campaign is meant to remind drivers to use turning signals when changing lanes and check mirrors before changing lanes. Drivers are also asked not to follow a motorcycle too closely.
"Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear,"
Sandifer said.