Safety Tips for Motorcyclists to Avoid Accidents in Texas

In Texas, motorcycle collisions can result in severe injuries. In collisions, motorcyclists and their companions are not afforded equivalent physical protection as occupants of automobiles and other vehicles. While motorcycle riders may not always bear liability for an accident, they continue to be exposed to a greater severity of severe injuries and fatalities. Motorcycles are involved in over 15% of all vehicle deaths in Texas. In fact, per the latest data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were just under 5,600 motorcycle fatalities alone.

If you've been involved in a motorcycle wreck in Texas, it's important to contact an accident attorney as soon as possible. In the meantime, read on to learn about common causes of these incidents and how to stay safe as a motorcyclist in the Lone Star State with a few key tips. Motorcycle accidents in Texas often have catastrophic results and are generally the result of a few common (yet reckless) maneuvers, so prevention is the best way to avoid these incidents altogether.

Causes of Motorcycle and Vehicle Crashes in Texas

Car and motorcycle accidents are often caused by drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, or a combination of these factors. Motorcycle accidents, like other forms of traffic collisions, are often caused by the negligence of one or more drivers. That said, the following are the most common causes of motorcycle crashes:

• Drivers turning left without looking to see whether a motorcyclist is approaching or overtaking the lane
• Speeding and/or alcohol consumption (which account for over half of all motorcycle accidents)
• Motorcyclists riding between two lanes of traffic, a practice known as lane splitting, which is illegal in Texas
• Potholes, debris from other cars, uneven or west roadways, and other hazardous road conditions
• Collisions with stationary objects, which account for over a quarter of fatal motorcycle accidents

Most of these accidents are caused by driver error (by either motorist involved in a crash). Other less frequent reasons for motorcycle accidents include inclement weather, roadway hazards, maintenance issues, and vehicle part failures.

An even larger percentage of vehicle and motorcycle accidents include speeding and/or alcohol usage. Motorcycle accidents may sometimes be caused by aggressive driving, driver weariness, and distracted driving, although these variables more often cause auto accidents.

However, according to the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), the leading cause of death for motorcyclists is left-hand turns by motorists who fail to account for the bike's size and speed.

Tragically, nearly a third of all motorcyclist deaths in Texas last year were caused by or connected to an intersection. Traffic experts say most motorcycle accidents at intersections involve left turns (52%), whereas just about 5% involve right turns.

Safety Tips to Avoid Texas Motorcycle Accidents

First and foremost, it's important for motorcyclists to avoid lane splitting. Lane splitting is a hazardous practice, despite the fact that Texas is contemplating legislation that would, in certain circumstances, legalize the practice. Lane splitting frequently results in motorcycle accidents due to the near proximity of motorcyclists to other vehicles as they navigate in two lanes between delayed or stopped vehicles. Thus, riders are often limited in responding to potential dangers.

Second, though it may seem obvious, it's essential that motorcyclists never ride after drinking. Alcohol-impaired drivers cause nearly one-third of all fatal motorcycle collisions in the United States, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, within the United States, approximately half of all motorcycle accidents are attributed to drunk driving. Due to the reduced protection offered by motorcycles in comparison to passenger vehicles, the dangers of driving and driving are exacerbated for motorcyclists.

Speed Limits For Motorcyclists

It's also particularly important to observe posted speed limits when operating a motorcycle in Texas. A passenger vehicle is capable of swerving to avoid colliding with roadway hazards and other obstacles while continuing on its way, and even if a vehicle hits an object in the road, the driver can often come away with minimal or no damage to their car and no injuries. Motorcyclists do not have this capability, unfortunately. A high rate of speed increases the likelihood that you will lose control of your motorcycle and be involved in an accident. Additionally, hitting particular objects can be more hazardous and can even result in ejection from your motorcycle.

Safety Equipment For Motorcyclists in Texas

Although wearing the appropriate safety equipment cannot guarantee avoiding a motorcycle collision, it can significantly diminish the likelihood of riders suffering life-threatening injuries. While Texas does not require riders and motorcyclists over the age of 21 to wear helmets, it is nonetheless crucial to acknowledge that a helmet can provide additional protection against head injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Riding a motorcycle while wearing the appropriate style of outerwear, boots, and trousers can provide additional protection against road rash. Although it doesn't sound serious when compared to a TBI, road rash has the potential to result in irreversible nerve damage, persistent disfigurement, and fatal infections.

Finally, before you embark on a ride, ensure that you inspect your motorcycle for the most probable causes of a collision, including low fluid levels, defective headlamps or signal indicators, low tire pressure, or thin tire treads. When transporting cargo, ensure that the scooter is balanced. Additionally, ensure that any passenger you take with you is well-informed regarding every facet of motorcycle safety.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Dallas

At the Rasansky Law Firm, our team has more than three decades of experience assisting motorcycle accident victims. Though it's important for motorcyclists to practice defensive driving and follow the aforementioned safety tips, these incidents aren't always avoidable. Furthermore, victims of motorcycle accidents whose injuries were caused by the carelessness of others must act swiftly to protect their legal rights.

As soon as you're ready to get started on your case, we're here to help you and yours evaluate your legal options and discuss the details of your accident. Call our attorneys at 214-617-1816 for a free case evaluation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Dallas will stop at nothing to safeguard your legal rights at this frustrating time in your life.