Southeast Texas motorcycle groups are working to spread safety awareness. Tazz Roberts, VP of Beaumont Hard Riders, advocated for cautious riding practices.
BEAUMONT, Texas — A chain-reaction crash that hospitalized five Southeast Texans nearly two weeks ago has renewed calls for motorcycle safety awareness during peak riding season.
The accident happened as members of Harley Owners Group Chapter 5298 returned from their Hill Country ride. An 18-wheeler struck an SUV, which then veered into the motorcycle group’s path, causing multiple riders to lay down their bikes.
“18-wheeler heavy truck, causing the chain of events to happen, which knocked an SUV over into our lane, right in front of our bikes,” said JW Dalton, director of HOG Chapter 5298.
Five Southeast Texans required hospitalization following the crash outside Houston.
“That was our first annual ride, so it didn’t turn out, start off very well. Luckily, and thank God it wasn’t catastrophic,” Dalton said.
Beaumont police have recorded 37 motorcycle crashes within city limits since January, with officers warning the number could continue climbing without increased awareness.
Traffic Officer Troy Wagner of the Beaumont Police Department identified the most common crash scenario involving motorcycles.
“You have vehicles that cut in front of motorcycles because of the small stature of the motorcycle. They’re not able to see the motorcycle. They’re not paying attention,” Officer Wagner said.
Officer Wagner stressed the responsibility falls on all road users to prevent accidents.
“The people in vehicles, they have to check twice to make sure that a motorcycle is not in their blind spot. Two wheels and 4 wheels both need to pay attention,” Wagner said.
Southeast Texas motorcycle groups are working to spread safety awareness. Tazz Roberts, vice president of Beaumont Hard Riders, advocated for cautious riding practices.
“Don’t be an offensive driver, be a defensive driver,” Roberts said.
Dalton recommended riders focus on basic maintenance and preparation, including checking tire pressure and tread depth, creating ride plans and conducting safety meetings before group rides.
“Safety starts with the motorcycle itself, the rider itself, watching out for us, look twice, save a life,” Dalton said.
Safety courses are available at Teddy Morse’s Cowboy Harley-Davidson in Beaumont for riders seeking additional training.
