Expect to hear a lot more about motorcycle safety, as TxDOT has kicked off a major statewide campaign to try to stem a scary increase in motorcycle accidents on Texas highways, News Radio 1200 WOAI reprots.
The number of fatal crashes involving motorcycles shot up more than 5% in 2016, and Diane Hodges of TxDOT says one reason for the increase is the large jump in the number of motorcycles on Texas highways.
"Between 2000 and 2014, we saw the number of motorcycle registrations more than double," she said. "We now have over a half a million registered motorcycles."
Ken Hodges of the National Transportation Safety Commission says money that had been earmarked for motorcycle safety over the years has not been spent for that purpose.
"There was a time that money that was allocated by the Legiislature was not actually going to motorcycle safety," he said.
The campaign, called 'Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" implores drivers to watch closely for motorcycles, especially at intersections and whne changing lanes
.“Part of our responsibility as motorists is to always be aware of other vehicles on the road and to give them plenty of space,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable because they can be difficult to see and don’t have the standard safety features found in cars and trucks. On a motorcycle, even a relatively minor collision can be fatal, so we’re urging drivers to please keep an eye out for their fellow motorists.”
Motorcyclists are nearly five times more likely to be injured and 29 times for likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of a car or a truck.
Among the main points of TxDOT's new safety campaign:
Always use turn signals.
Give motorcycles plenty of space and don’t follow too closely.
Check mirrors before changing lanes.
Give motorcyclists a full lane.