During May the Texas Department of Transportation is conducting a motorcycle safety campaign entitled, "Share the Road." Many of us have probably seen the bumper stickers that read, "Start Seeing Motorcycles." Like the bumper sticker the Share the Road campaign reminds other drivers to lookout for motorcyclists and will hopefully help prevent motorcycle accidents.
Highway safety during motorcycle season for motorcycle riders and other drivers on the road is based on awareness of road and traffic conditions. Motorcyclists need to aware of changing traffic and road conditions because their smaller vehicle size makes them more vulnerable to sudden changes, and motorists should take extra effort to be aware of their surroundings because motorcycles have smaller profiles than other oncoming vehicles.
Seasoned motorcycle riders say motorists often over look motorcycles on the road because too often drivers are focused only on the car in front of them. Instead, drivers should try to look at the entire road and not just the car they are behind. To better help motorists see them, motorcyclists should wear bright clothes when riding. The practice of good driving habits is especially important as the number of motorcycle riders in Texas increases.
Over the last decade, the number of motorcyclists on roads in Texas has doubled, and the larger number of motorcyclists on Texas roads means there is a greater risk of car and motorcycle accidents. Over the last two years the number of motorcycle fatalities has increased in Texas. In 2010, there were 429 motorcycle fatalities, and last year 470 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents.
Source: cbs19.tv, "Texas Department of Transportation Launches 'Share the Road' Campaign," April 10, 2012
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