Safety tips for Texas bikers and those who share the roads with them
Houston motorcycle injury lawyers note that the number of bikers on Texas roads has more than doubled in the last decade and currently stands at more than 420,000. Motorcycles are increasingly popular not only for their gas economy but also for their maneuverability and exciting ride. And the number of bikers on Texas roads is expected to double again in the next four to five years.
But greater numbers of motorcyclists have also meant greater numbers of fatal motorcycle accidents. 14% of fatal traffic accidents in 2010 in Texas were among bikers, although motorcycles represent far less than 14% of the vehicles on our Texas roads. 429 bikers died in 2010. And the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M estimates that the biker death toll in the state could easily double by 2015 unless trends change and new safety measures are adopted by bikers and those who share the roads with them.
Our Houston motorcycle injury lawyers point out that TxDOT has developed a statewide motorcycle safety public awareness campaign called Share the Road. The safety campaign focuses on the two areas where passenger and commercial vehicle collisions with motorcycles most commonly occur: intersections and at lane changes.
The Share the Road safety campaign urges drivers of passenger and commercial vehicles to be aware of the collision dangers, take extra care, and look twice for the smaller profile of motorcycles before making turns or changing lanes. Too many severe and fatal motorcycle accidents occur when other motorists fail to observe bikers and fail to yield right of way, often resulting in a terrible T-bone crashes or rear-end collision.
The Houston motorcycle injury lawyers at Denena & Points emphasize that many motorcycle accidents are entirely preventable with proper safety precautions. In the interest of preventing needless motorcycle crash injuries and fatalities, the Texas Department of Public Safety provides motorcycle safety and certification courses and oversees a Motorcycle Safety Unit. Some safety tips and rules of the road that might help you avoid needless collisions follow:
- Bikers under 21 years of age are required to wear helmets when riding a motorcycle. Riders above age 21 may choose to ride without a helmet if they are covered by the required insurance and have completed an approved motorcycle safety course.
- Even the best, most experienced riders can have a motorcycle crash. And because bikers have no external protection from impacts in an accident, you should always wear a helmet and protective gear to minimize your danger of serious and fatal injuries in the event of a motorcycle crash.
- Ride defensively.
- Never drink and drive.
- Always operate your motorcycle at a safe speed. Motorcyclists riding at high speeds more frequently lose control of their vehicles on curves and turns and when encountering obstacles.
- Turn on your headlights; they help enhance your visibility at all times.
- Avoid biking in the center of a lane where oil and debris can build up.
- Take a motorcycle safety course or refresher course to reinvigorate your safety awareness. Advanced courses can help you learn tips for such things as operating on wet roads.
If you suffer injuries or lose a loved one to a motorcycle accident despite your best safety precautions, we could help. Contact the experienced, Texas Board Certified Houston motorcycle injury lawyers at Denena & Points for a free and confidential legal consultation. We have more than 14 years of experience guiding injured motorcycle crash victims to the full financial recoveries they deserve for their losses and suffering.