Texas Motorcyclist Crash Deaths Up by 17% in 2020 May 4, 2021
Despite less traffic on the road in 2020 and a 2% reduction in motorcycle crashes, there was a 17% increase in Texas motorcycle fatalities compared to 2019, state transportation officials say.
The Texas Department of Transportation reported that in the 7,481 motorcycle crashes in Texas last year, 1,856 motorcyclists were seriously injured and 482 were killed. Motorcyclists account for 12% of all traffic fatalities statewide, TxDOT said.
The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) reports that fatal crashes between motorcyclists and drivers often occur when drivers misjudge the motorcycle’s distance and speed and make left turns in front of an oncoming motorcyclist.
Despite less traffic on the road in 2020 and a 2% reduction in motorcycle crashes, safety officials are alarmed by a 17% increase in Texas motorcycle fatalities compared to 2019. On average, a motorcyclist is killed in a crash on Texas roads every day last year 482 died. Motorcyclists account for 12% of all traffic fatalities statewide.
May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Texas Department of Transportation’s annual “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign gets underway to call attention to the safety precautions motorists can take to protect motorcyclists and themselves. In 2020, in the 7,481 motorcycle crashes in Texas, 1,856 motorcyclists were seriously injured and 482 were killed.
TxDOT urges motorists to Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles heraldbanner.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from heraldbanner.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
May through October is an especially dangerous period for motorcyclists in Texas, said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. Of all the motorcyclist deaths in Texas during 2020, more than 61% happened in that period. 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.
The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) reported that fatal crashes between motorcyclists and drivers often occur due to drivers misjudging the motorcycle s distance and speed and make left turns in front of an approaching motorcyclist.