Motorcycles

May 30, 2007
Drive Aware — Look for Motorcycles

With summer vacations in full swing, DPS reminds drivers to always look for motorcycles. The most frequent cause of motorcycle crashes is the failure of motorists in other vehicles to detect motorcycles.

“More than half of motorcycle crashes occur because the driver of the other vehicle simply did not see the motorcycle coming,” said DPS Director Col. Thomas A. Davis Jr. “Do your part as a motorist. Look, and then look again for motorcycles.”

What can you do? Drive aware:
· Look for motorcycles. They’re smaller and easy to overlook. Be aware at intersections.
· Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers. They may change positions in the lane to respond to driving conditions. Expect and allow room for such actions.
· Signal your intentions even if you don’t see cars in front of or behind you. Be careful, especially while making left turns across lanes of approaching traffic.
· Respect a motorcycle as a full-sized vehicle with equal rights to the road. Give them a full lane.
· Allow plenty of space when following a motorcycle. The slightest contact can cause a wreck.

Almost two-thirds of motorcycle-involved crashes are caused not by the motorcyclist, but by the other driver. The driver either does not see the oncoming motorcyclist or does not see him or her in time to avoid a crash. Automobile drivers also contribute to another 10 percent of motorcycle crashes where the motorcycle is the only vehicle involved. Drivers who unintentionally pull out in front of a motorcycle often force the rider to over-brake, slide and fall.

The most common crash between other vehicles and motorcycles is at an intersection when the automobile driver is making a left turn in front of a motorcycle. More than 40 percent of all motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. In 2005 (latest statistics available), 360 people in Texas died as a result of motorcycle crashes.

For additional information on motorcycle safety, please call 512-424-2021 or toll-free at 1-800-292-5787, or visit the DPS website at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/draware.htm.