Motorcycle Awareness Month: Staying Safe on Two Wheels in Texas
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and here in Texas, it couldn’t come at a better time. With warm weather stretching across the Lone Star State, more motorcycles are hitting the roads—and unfortunately, that brings an increased risk of accidents.
At Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we want to help protect both drivers and riders by sharing some important safety reminders and legal insights that could make all the difference after an accident.
Motorcycle Accidents in Texas: The Statistics
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, a motorcyclist dies on Texas roads every single day. In 2024 alone, 581 riders lost their lives, and more than 2,500 were seriously injured in crashes. Urban areas like Fort Worth and the greater DFW metroplex continue to be hotspots for motorcycle accidents.
Every motorist on the road has a responsibility to drive attentively and share the road safely. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a car or gripping the handlebars of a chopper, awareness and caution can save lives. Let’s break down some key safety reminders for both drivers and motorcyclists to help reduce accidents and improve road safety for everyone.
Safety Reminders for Drivers
Motorcycles are smaller, faster, and can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Here are several ways drivers can help prevent accidents:
- Look twice, save a life. Motorcycles can sneak up fast. Always double-check your mirrors and blind spots—they’re not as visible as cars and can seem to pop out of nowhere.
- Back off a bit. Keep at least three to four seconds of space behind a motorcycle. Tailgating isn’t just rude—it’s dangerous.
- Give them the whole lane. Motorcycles need room to dodge potholes, debris, or bad drivers. Share the road, not the lane.
- Put the phone down. Seriously. All it takes is one distracted second to change someone’s life forever.
- Scan those intersections. Most motorcycle crashes happen at crossings. Look left, right, and left again—and twice if you’re turning.
- Use your signals early. Riders need time to react. The sooner you signal, the safer everyone is.
- Be cool. Stay patient. Motorcyclists might shift in their lane or slow down unexpectedly.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can potentially prevent motorcycle accident injuries and even save a life.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Riders can also take proactive steps to reduce their risk of injury and stay visible to other drivers:
- Gear up. A DOT-approved helmet can be a lifesaver. Throw on abrasion-resistant gear and reflective materials so you’re seen before it’s too late.
- Stay visible. Keep those headlights blazing 24/7 and steer clear of blind spots. Out of sight means out of mind—and that’s dangerous.
- Ride like everyone’s out to get you. Because sometimes, they are. Stay alert, especially at intersections. Assume drivers don’t see you and act accordingly.
- Know your bike inside out. A quick pre-ride checklist could be the difference between cruising and crashing. Don’t skip it.
- Mind the weather. Rain, fog, and slick roads are bad news. If things get dicey, pull over and wait it out.
Practicing these habits won’t just make your ride smoother—they could save your life.
The Aftermath of a Motorcycle Crash
Sadly, even the most cautious riders can be involved in an accident due to another driver’s negligence. Unlike drivers in cars, motorcyclists don’t have seatbelts, airbags, or a steel frame to protect them. The result? Injuries are often catastrophic.
Common injuries from motorcycle accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Road rash and facial injuries
- “Biker’s arm” – nerve damage in the arms or shoulders
- Amputation
- Wrongful death
Head injuries are especially serious, which is why wearing a helmet is so important. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 37%.
In Texas, helmets are required for riders under 21. For those over 21, helmet use is optional only if you’ve completed a safety course or have proper insurance. However, skipping the helmet can hurt more than just your head – it could hurt your personal injury claim.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, your top priority should be getting medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Next, consider reaching out to a trusted accident lawyer.
Here’s why:
- More Money in Your Pocket: Victims with attorneys receive up to three times more in compensation.
- No More Insurance Games: We make insurance companies think twice before tossing you a lowball offer.
- Expert Firepower: We’ve got access to trusted experts like accident reconstructionists and medical specialists.
- Stop the Blame Game: Insurers love to point the finger at motorcyclists. With us in your corner, that tactic falls flat.
If you were hurt in a crash, contact our Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Fort Worth for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 839-3143
