The Importance of Motorcycle Safety in Texas

With warmer weather just around the corner, there is no better time than the present to talk about the importance of motorcycle safety. With Spring temperatures come more and more riders taking their motorcycles out for a spin on the beautiful Texas roadways. However, motorcycles also come with inherent dangers, especially on the busy highways and streets of the Lone Star State. In fact, motorcycle accidents remain a serious problem in Texas, resulting in hundreds of injuries and deaths every single year.

Unlike the occupants of motor vehicles, motorcyclists face a much higher risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely than motorists to be killed in a traffic accident. This is a staggering number that should show you just how deadly these types of accidents can be. As more people make the move to Texas, it is imperative motorcyclists understand how to stay safe and share the roads with motorists and pedestrians alike.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents  

Before we go over some of our top motorcycle safety tips, let’s look at the most common causes of motorcycle accidents here in Texas:

• Negligence and driver distraction
• Unsafe lane changes
• Speed
• Driving under the influence
• Lane splitting
• Cars making sudden stops
• Inexperienced drivers and motorcyclists
• Left turn accidents
• Inclement weather
• Dangerous road conditions
• Motorcycle defects

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Before getting on your bike for a ride, the first thing you should do is check the safety of your motorcycle. This is especially true if it is the first time you are riding this season, as it may need a little tune-up. Inspect the bike thoroughly, check the tire pressure, top off any fluids, inspect tires for any worn thread, holes, or cracks, and make sure all your lights and signals are working properly. We also recommend doing a test drive to check the acceleration, steering, and braking systems before heading out for a longer ride. Other safety tips include:

• Always wear personal safety equipment, including a helmet, gloves, eye protection, closed-toed shoes, and proper clothing
• Take a motorcycle safety course
• Use common sense
• Pay attention to your surroundings
• Always look twice before changing lanes
• Never operate a motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Obey the speed limit

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Texas, please contact the personal injury lawyers at Rad Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.