TxDOT’s statewide “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” motorcycle safety and public awareness campaign urges motorists to look twice for motorcycles especially at intersections and when changing lanes, the two places where serious motorcycle collisions commonly occur.

Why should drivers be aware of motorcyclists when traveling Texas roads?

On average, a motorcyclist dies in a crash on Texas roads every day. In 2017, 501 riders lost their lives and 2,101 were seriously injured in motorcycle crashes. About half of fatal motorcycle crashes result from a car or truck colliding with it, often because drivers simply don’t see it or misjudge how close it is and how fast it’s traveling.   The small size of motorcycles compared to other vehicles on the road means they can appear to be farther away than they are, and it’s easy to misjudge their speed. The combination of congested roadways, distracted driving, and the difficulty of seeing motorcycles in traffic has led to far too many preventable fatalities each year.

What are some tips for safely sharing the road with motorcycles?

• 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 your turn signals and check your blind spot before changing lanes.
• Don’t follow a motorcycle too closely.
  
• Give motorcyclists a full lane.
• Obey posted speed limits.