LOCAL

TxDOT asks drivers to be mindful of motorcycles and 'Look Twice'

Samuel Sutton
San Angelo

On average, a motorcyclist dies every day in a crash on Texas roads. That's why the Texas Department of Transportation is again launching its "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" campaign. 

The TxDOT campaign is part of May's Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to remind drivers to watch carefully for motorcyclists on Texas roads, according to a news release.

A private escort motorcycle was involved in a crash at the intersection of South College Hills and Southland Boulevard on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017.

In 2018, TxDOT reports that 417 motorcyclists were killed and 1,920 were injured in 7,656 crashes in Texas. This averages out to more than one motorcycle crash fatality a day. However this number was 17 percent lower than previous years, according to TxDOT Executive Director James Bass.

"One death is too many for the Lone Star State," Bass said.

During spring, the pleasant weather draws motorcyclists to the roads more frequently. This is why TxDOT is asking drivers to be more diligent.

Most often, crashes involving vehicles and motorcycles happen when the vehicle's driver fails to yield to motorcyclists when making left turns. This is because vehicle drivers struggle to accurately judge the speed and distance of the motorcyclist, a TxDOT news release states. 

Read more:TxDOT hosts annual statewide trash pick-up April 6

It's also important to know motorcyclists take longer to slow down because they downshift rather than brake, especially when traveling around a curve. This means the motorcycle's brake light won't engage despite the vehicle slowing, making it imperative drivers following keep a safe distance. 

TxDOT tips on sharing the road with motorcyclists

  • Look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
  • Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear to be and avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
  • Use turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes.
  • When passing a motorcyclist, move to the other lane and allow a full lane for the motorcycle.
  • Always maintain a safe following distance. 
  • Obey posted speed limits.

Along with tips, TxDOT will also conduct events with "virtual reality games" used to make drivers and motorcyclists more aware of why being more careful is so important. Below are dates and cities where these events will take place:

TxDOT's "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" event schedule

  • May 3: El Paso
  • May 10: Corpus Christi
  • May 11: Houston (Sugar Land)
  • May 12: Austin
  • May 17: Dallas-Fort Worth (Frisco)
  • May 18: Midland
  • May 19: San Antonio

Samuel Sutton is a multimedia journalist covering West Texas. Send him news tips at Samuel.Sutton@gosanangelo.com or call 325-812-7179.