SAN ANTONIO — Last year almost 600 motorcyclists were killed in Texas, a number that has gone up each year since 2020. But TxDOT's "Share The Road: Look Twice For Motorcycles" aims to bring that number back down.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is why TxDOT is launching a campaign to remind drivers how to safely share the road with motorcycles as warmer weather brings more of them onto the road.
"I was thrown over the vehicle, slid to a stop in about 20 yards or so. The vehicle then parked on top of my leg and was parked there until first responders were able to come and pick the vehicle up off my leg and get me loaded onto the ambulance," said Al Peterson who almost died last May when another driver turned left in front of him while he was riding his bike. "The crash left me with, damaged organs, broken bones, eating, drinking and breathing through a tube. And, very lucky to be alive."
Nancy Winn, TxDOT's Traffic Safety Program Manager said, "Motorcycle crashes occur all over Texas, but in 2023, 55% of Texas motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas and 45% occurred in rural areas."
In 2023, in Texas, almost 600 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes and close to 2,500 seriously injured. That is a 7% increase over last year in the state.
Peterson said, "We don't have all of the safety features that vehicles have, like airbags, seatbelts and a metal cage around us. That's why it's so important for drivers to look twice for motorcycles, give extra room and stay alert." Winn added, "Drivers can help protect motorcyclists by following these tips. Look twice for motorcycles. Use your turn signals and check your blind spots before changing lanes."
Also pay extra attention at intersections, don't speed, keep a safe following distance and stay alert.