TxDOT Motorcycle Campaign Urges Drivers to Look Twice, Share the Road

More than 2,000 motorcyclists killed in Texas since 2010

TxDOT's glass-panel truck is traveling across Texas to promote motorcycle safety awareness. People can go inside the truck and have their pictures taken on the motorcycle. (Photo: Business Wire)

AUSTIN, Texas--()--As spring weather draws more motorcyclists onto Texas roadways, the Texas Department of Transportation is launching its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign to reduce crashes and save lives. The campaign – part of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May – urges drivers to be extra cautious, because motorcyclists are more difficult to see and less protected than other motorists.

“We see far too many deadly motorcycle crashes on Texas roadways, so we’re telling drivers to be extra diligent when sharing the road,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “We’re constantly told drivers simply didn’t see the motorcyclist until it’s too late. As drivers, it is incumbent upon us to be fully aware of our surroundings at all times and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of motorcyclists.”

Over the past five years, 2,354 motorcyclists have been killed in Texas. In 2014, Texas motorcycle crashes killed 455 motorcyclists. Half of the motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. One-third of motorcycle fatalities took place at intersections. Approximately 49 percent of motorcyclists who died in 2014 were riding in rural areas of the state.

To promote motorcycle safety awareness, TxDOT is partnering with local law enforcement agencies and Texas Patriot Guard Riders to hold motorcycle processions in select Texas cities. The riders will carry oversized flags emblazoned with the slogans “Look Twice for Motorcycles” and “Share the Road.” Patriot Guard Riders are volunteers known for leading funeral processions for fallen soldiers and first responders.

Additionally, TxDOT is traveling to multiple cities to participate in festivals and other special events. This year’s TxDOT display includes a special glass-panel truck showcasing a motorcycle on a virtual rural Texas roadway. Visitors will be able to step inside the truck to have their picture taken and shared via social media. They also are encouraged to take a pledge to “Look Twice” for motorcycles.

When sharing the road, TxDOT encourages drivers to check their mirrors, leave extra room between vehicles and use turn signals to help prevent crashes and save lives.

For more information, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of April 17, 2015.

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 12,000 employees are committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system, addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a Best-in-Class state agency. Find out more at txdot.gov. “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Maintain a Safe System • Address Congestion • Best-in-Class State Agency • Connect Texas Communities

An Equal Opportunity Employer

www.txdot.gov | TxDOT on Facebook | TxDOT on Twitter

Contacts

TxDOT
Media Relations, 512-463-8700
MediaRelations@txdot.gov

Release Summary

TxDOT is launching its Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign to reduce crashes and save lives. Drivers are encouraged to take a pledge to look twice for motorcyclists.

Contacts

TxDOT
Media Relations, 512-463-8700
MediaRelations@txdot.gov