In an effort to curb an increase in motorcycle deaths, Texas Department of Transportation is launching its Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May.
The campaign urges drivers to watch closely for motorcycles, especially at intersections and when changing lanes, a TxDOT spokesman said.
"Part of our responsibility as motorists is to always be aware of other vehicles on the road and to give them plenty of space," TxDOT Executive Director James Bass said. "Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable because they can be difficult to see and don't have the standard safety features found in cars and trucks. On a motorcycle, even a relatively minor collision can be fatal, so we're urging drivers to please keep an eye out for their fellow motorists."
"Motorcyclists are nearly five times more likely to be injured and 29 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car or truck occupants," TxDOT Atlanta District spokesman Marcus Sandifer said in a press release.
More than half of fatal motorcycle crashes result from a collision with a car or truck, according to TxDOT. From 2015 to 2016, Texas motorcycle fatalities increased from 464 to 493-6 percent-and crashes resulting in seriously injured motorcyclists increased from 1,902 to 2,006, 5 percent.
The summer months have the highest incidences of motorcycle crashes. TxDOT's Share the Road campaign reminds drivers to:
- Always use turn signals.
- Give motorcycles plenty of space and don't follow too closely.
- Check mirrors before changing lanes.
- Give motorcyclists a full lane.