With the warmer weather, there are more motorcycles out on the road. It's time once again to remember the "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign it gets underway in May.  There are safety precautions motorists can take to protect motorcyclists and themselves.

It's sad to think that in 2020, there were 7,481 motorcycle crashes in Texas, 1,856 motorcyclists were seriously injured and 482 were killed according to a press release. We can change that by being more aware of bike on the road.

TxDOT Executive Director James Bass said

"It’s so important to remember that these motorcyclists don’t have the same protections that drivers in vehicles have, and that’s why we’re urging all motorists to stay watchful and alert when traveling alongside motorcycles so everyone can reach their destination safely.”

Motorcycles can appear to be going slower than what they really are and that makes for a dangerous situation they can also stop fast so any time you are driving and come across a motorcycle be sure to give them a lot of space.

TxDOT recommends these safety tips when driving around motorcycles and help to prevent any accidents:

·        Take extra care when making a left turn. It’s safest to let the motorcycle pass to avoid turning in front of the rider.

·        Pay special attention at intersections. Nearly one in three motorcycle fatalities happens at a roadway intersection.

·        Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction, such as answering a phone call or changing the radio station, can have deadly consequences.

·        Look twice when changing lanes. Check mirrors, check blind spots, and always use turn signals.

·        Give motorcyclists room when passing them. Move over to the passing lane and don’t crowd the motorcyclist’s full lane.

·        Stay back. If you’re behind a motorcycle, always maintain a safe following distance. When a motorcyclist downshifts instead of applying the brake to slow down, it can catch drivers off guard since there are no brake lights to signal reduced speed.

·        Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and drive to conditions.

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