How to Stay Safe on Texas Roads and Highways
Every day, another Texas motorcycle rider doesn’t make it home. Because Texas consistently ranks number one or number two in the most motorcycle deaths nationwide. In 2023, the most recent data available, the NHTSA reports there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed nationwide. Out of those, nearly 10% of them (599) occurred in Texas – a 7% increase from 2022. Two other states, Florida and California, also have a high number of fatal wrecks each year, and in most of these wrecks, another driver was the at-fault driver. The Car Crash Captain explores this a little bit more.
Why Texas Roads are So Dangerous for Riders
The most dangerous state for motorcycles is due to a variety of factors that all come into play to make the perfect storm. If you notice, the top three most dangerous states are three states with large populations, and year-round riding weather. As populations continue to grow, things continue to get worse.
Texas leads the nation in number of rural highway miles. These large stretches of roads are difficult to maintain, and tempting to speed down. Even the posted speed limit between Austin and Seguin is a roaring 85 miles per hour, with many other highways topping out at 80. These high speeds mean the likelihood of death in an accident is higher.
It’s not just rural driving, though. Expanding populations and the ever-increasing problem of distracted driving means that more and more people are on the roads while staring at their phones. Cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas have seen large increases in population in the last 5 years, meaning motorcycle riders must be even more diligent to watch out for themselves.
Then, of course, are the regular hazards. Wildlife, road debris, and weather affect a lot of riders regardless of where they live.
How Texas Laws Effect Motorcycle Safety
There are a few laws that Texas has in place that aren’t helping the situation either.
Riders over the age of 21, who have completed a safety course or carry the proper insurance, don’t have to wear helmets. While we value our freedoms here in the Lone Star State, it’s important to know that those freedoms mean higher deaths.
Ironically, the state still maintains its stance on lane splitting – it’s technically still illegal. Opponents of lane splitting claim that it causes more accidents. However, the studies do show that safety increases when lane splitting is allowed. Keep in mind that lane splitting (and lane filtering) have requirements. When they’re ignored they can lead to worse wrecks, but when done properly, these maneuvers help save lives.
Reduce Your Risk of Being Hit
The best way to reduce fatal motorcycle accidents is to ensure other motorists are watching for the two-wheeled vehicles. However, relying on someone else to do the right thing isn’t always the best measure. To survive a ride in the most dangerous state for motorcycles, the riders themselves should be hypervigilant to ensure their own safety. This means:
- Assume other drivers don’t see you.
- Wear reflective gear.
- Wear the proper safety gear.
- Avoid blind spots and maintain extra distance at intersections.
- Wear your helmet.
- Obey traffic laws (especially speed).
There will always be people on the road who don’t seem to be concerned about saving the life of a motorcyclist, so make sure you’re very aware of your surroundings so you don’t get wrecked.
Herbert Law Group Helps Motorcycle Accident Victims
Even the best drivers can be the victim of another driver’s poor decisions. If you have been injured in a motorcycle wreck, or if you have a loved one that was killed by a negligent driver, then we should talk. Herbert Law Group has a long history of helping motorcycle accident victims find the compensation they deserve after a wreck. First, we have to have a conversation about how we can help.
Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll be in touch with you for your free conversation.