Texas Motorcycle Fatality Statistics

480 Bikers Were Killed In Texas Last Year Alone

Many bikers know that riding a motorcycle in Texas is more dangerous than diving in a car or truck – but what can we do to make riding motorbikes safer for everyone?
In 2008, 480 motorcycle fatalities on Texas roads, and thousands were injured in accidents, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than six in ten deaths involve a rider who was not wearing a motorcycle helmet. All in all, it is 37 times more dangerous for a motorcycle rider to be on the road than someone who drives a larger vehicle – and over 11 percent of all fatal traffic accidents involve a motorcycle even though motorcycles do not nearly make up 11 percent of all vehicles on the road.
Motorcycle riders are often struck and killed on the road for the same reasons that others die in traffic accidents; speeding, reckless driving, and alcohol often play a role on both sides of the accident. However, motorcycle riders are less protected than those in steel-framed cars, especially if they don’t wear a helmet. Moreover, the small size of motorcycle makes them more difficult to see. Still more motorcycle riders die due to their inexperience riding a bike.
What’s the best way to reduce the number of motorcycle deaths in Texas? Traffic safety experts say that it has to be a combined effort by bike riders and those with more traditional vehicles. Those who drive cars and trucks need to be more aware of bikes on the road, especially in intersections and when changing lanes on a highway or interstate. Those who ride motorcycles need to be properly trained on a bike – and be aware of the dangers of riding without protective gear and a helmet.