Motorcycle Crashes in Texas are Trending Upward
With all of the awareness regarding sharing the road with motorcycles, it would seem that fatal motorcycle wrecks would be trending downward. Improved safety on vehicles (and motorcycles), more and more campaigns to look twice and save a life, and the overall news that riders are much more likely to die than other motorists seem to have very little effect because motorcycle fatalities keep going up. The Car Crash Captain looks at why and what we can do.
The Upward Trend of Motorcycle Crashes
In 2022 there were 563 motorcyclists killed in Texas crashes. In 2023 that number bumped up to 599, and then dip slightly to 585 in 2024.
In 2024 there were over 9,000 motorcycle crashes that resulted in over 2,500 serious injuries, and the aforementioned deaths. TxDOT has more information on the trends.
Some years, like 2024, see a slight decrease, but overall, the trend is that there are more motorcyclists being killed on Texas roads. And that makes us wonder why that might be so.
Why are Fatal Motorcycle Wrecks Increasing?
More than a third of these wrecks happen at intersections, and generally with a left turn where the vehicle crosses oncoming traffic and fails to see the motorcyclist as they’re approaching.
Despite warnings, despite the “motorcycle season,” people still use the excuse that they didn’t see the rider coming and turn in front of them, merge into them, or otherwise cause a wreck that ends badly for the motorcycle rider.
Combine that with a low rate of helmet use (37% of motorcyclists killed in 2024 were not wearing helmets), and the continuing problem with distracted driving (and impaired driving), and the already busy streets are getting more dangerous.
The fact that Texas has grown significantly means more people on the road (The DFW metroplex area has seen over 500,000 people move into the area since 2020).
What Can We do Together?
So, what can we do? Most of the fatal motorcycle wrecks are caused by inattentive motorists in cars and trucks. A small percentage are caused by the motorcycle riders themselves as they speed or otherwise drive carelessly or recklessly.
To ensure safety for everyone, everyone has to do a little better. Motorists need to slow down and look for those on two wheels (especially during peak riding seasons). Look twice to save a life. Motorcycle riders have to ride as though they’re invisible. Be extra vigilant while out.
Here’s a way we can stop the fatal motorcycle wrecks trend.
As you’re driving with your kids, play “spot the motorcycle” game. Just like any other road game (slug bug, license plates, red cars, etc.) teach your kids to spot the motorcycle. The first one to see the two-wheeler and call it out gets a point.
Then, when your children are old enough to drive, they’re going to naturally be on the lookout for motorcycle riders, and hopefully the next generation of drivers will see a decrease in fatal motorcycle wrecks.
Have you Been in a Motorcycle Wreck? You Need Herbert Law Group
If you have been injured in a motorcycle wreck, or a loved one was killed in a crash, we should talk.
Herbert Law Group has a history of dealing with insurance companies that like to try to blame the victim. We know what to pursue, how to push back, and how to get the compensation you need to keep moving forward with your life.
It all starts with a simple conversation about what happened. Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form and we’ll reach out to you for a free initial consultation to see how we can help.