“How do many motorcycle crashes happen in Texas?” is a question all motorcyclists in the Lone Star State should know how to answer.
Motorcycle deaths in Texas have, unfortunately, been on the rise in recent years. Almost 600 people die during motorcycle accidents in the state each year. Nearly 2,500 people are injured in them.
By finding out why motorcycle accidents occur, you can minimize your chances of being involved in one. Learn about the common causes below.
Speeding
Speeding is to blame for more than one-third of all traffic-related fatalities in Texas every year. The National Safety Council reports that just over 1,500 of the roughly 4,400 Texans killed in motor vehicle crashes annually die during speed-related accidents.
Speeding is also responsible for around one-third of motorcycle accident fatalities. This explains why the Texas Department of Transportation advised motorcyclists and other drivers to “slow down” as part of its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” safety campaign during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May 2024.
The No. 1 answer to the question, “How do many motorcycle crashes happen in Texas?” is “speeding.” Slowing down is the only solution to this growing problem.
Impaired Driving
Texas is one of the worst states for drunk driving. It has abnormally high rates when it comes to:
- The number of drunk drivers involved in deadly crashes (about 8.3 for every 100,000 licensed drivers)
- The percentage of traffic-related fatalities caused by drunk drivers (over 42%)
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that the state’s impaired driving issue extends to motorcyclists. Drivers under the influence of alcohol cause just under 30% of motorcycle crash fatalities.
Distracted Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,300 Americans are killed during motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving each year. Drivers are often involved in crashes after being distracted by:
- Smartphones and other electronic devices
- GPS and infotainment systems
- Food and beverages
- Other passengers and even pets
Motorcycles are already notoriously difficult for those in cars, trucks, and SUVs to see. It’s even harder for drivers to pinpoint their locations when distracted.
Road Hazards
Sometimes, answering the question, “How do many motorcycle crashes happen in Texas?” is as simple as highlighting all the road hazards motorcyclists face. When exposed to them, they’re more likely to be involved in accidents than those in passenger vehicles.
Examples include:
- Potholes
- Puddles
- Oil spills
- Debris
- Uneven pavements
Railroad tracks have also become problematic for motorcyclists and caused their fair share of motorcycle accident injuries. Texas has well over 10,000 miles of railroad tracks, more than any other state.
Visibility Issues
Since the average motorcycle is much smaller than even the smallest cars out on the road in Texas, many drivers have a tough time seeing the motorcycles that surround them. These visibility issues may cause motorcycle crashes to occur.
But it isn’t just the size of motorcycles that causes visibility issues. They may also stem from:
- Sun glare
- Inclement weather
- Congested roadways
- Lackluster road designs
Passenger car drivers might make unsafe lane changes and turns and drive directly into motorcyclists without realizing it until it’s too late because of visibility issues.
Contact Us When Motorcycle Crashes Happen in Texas
Trying to answer the question, “How do many motorcycle crashes happen in Texas?” is complicated. There are so many answers to it because of all the threats motorcyclists face.
If you were injured during a recent motorcycle crash caused by driver negligence, Dow Law Firm can help. Call us at 512-240-9951 or fill out this form to schedule a consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.