As summer reaches its mid-point and the height of the summer driving season, AAA Texas wants to prevent fatalities and injuries as a result of motorcycle collisions.
Most crashes occur when a driver fails to see a motorcycle and turns left in front of it.
In Texas 496 motorcyclists were killed in 2016, which is a 6.9 percent increase from 2015. In more than half of the fatal crashes in our state, Texas Department of Transportation statistics indicate that the motorcyclists were not wearing helmets.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,976 people died in motorcycle crashes across the U.S. in 2015, which was up 8.3 percent from the 4,594 people killed in 2014.
States across the nation are working to decrease the number of motorcycle-related deaths and injuries by encouraging helmet use. A law requiring motorcycle riders age 20 and under to wear a helmet is in place in Texas.
AAA Texas also offers the following tips for riders and drivers:
Motorcyclists:
Keep headlights on at all times. Wear bright clothing or reflective strips to improve others’ ability to see you. Before passing, stay four seconds behind a vehicle, check oncoming traffic from the left side of lane, signal intention to turn, and then check for oncoming traffic before passing. When completing a pass, check rearview mirror and quickly turn head to ensure vehicle is a safe distance behind.
Drivers:
Be extra cautious on weekends, when more motorcyclists are on the roads. Provide motorcyclists adequate room to maneuver. Follow at least four seconds behind them. Allow extra maneuvering room in areas with potholes, pavement changes and railroad crossings.