- Drivers are urged to “look twice” for motorcycles, especially at intersections and before changing lanes.
- Motorcyclists are advised to maintain safe distances from other vehicles and be extra defensive in their riding habits.
- TxDOT emphasizes the importance of motorcycle awareness during warmer months when more riders are on the road.
The Texas Department of Transportation has launched a “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campign as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May.
TxDOT said in 2024 there were 9,016 motorcycle crashes in Texas that killed 585 motorcyclists and seriously injured more than 2,500.
Wichita Falls Police spokesman Sgt. Brett Keith said the city recorded 35 motorcycle wrecks in 2024 and two people were killed.
Keith recommended that drivers always double check intersections and stop signs to make sure they’re clear.
“Make sure you’re physically looking and checking before you change lanes,” he said.
Keith recommended motorcycle riders give themselves plenty of clearance from other cars.
“Make sure you’re very defensive in your surroundings and make eye contact with drivers if you can to make people mindful you are a smaller vehicle. Try to be extra defensive,” he said.
“Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot, which is why taking an extra moment to double check for them can often mean the difference between life and death,” TxDOT said in a press release.
“We often hear drivers say they simply ‘didn’t see’ the motorcyclist,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in the media release. “We want every driver to check and double check for motorcycles and learn how to safely share the road across the streets and highways of Texas.”
TxDOT said in its release drivers should be extra vigilant during the spring and summer months when the warmer Texas temperatures see more motorcyclists taking to the roads.
“Even minor collisions can be catastrophic for motorcyclists because their bikes lack many of the safety features common to other vehicles,” TxDOT said..
