Texas Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Motorcycle accidents are a prevalent problem in Texas, resulting in hundreds of injuries and deaths each year. Motorcycles provide the driver with little physical protection during accidents compared to cars and other vehicles, so when there is a collision involving a motorcycle, the motorcyclist is likely to be injured.
While there are numerous reasons for motorcycle accidents, most are caused by negligence and could have been avoided. Because of the increasing popularity of motorcycles and scooters in Texas, coupled with an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has “amped” its efforts to improve motorcycle safety.
Data from the TXDOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demonstrates the magnitude of the problem of motorcycle accidents in Texas, as well as factors that contribute to the problem.
Motorcycle Involvement in Accidents (2022):
- In 2022, there were 9,528 motorcyclists involved in crashes in Texas. This marks a slight decrease from previous years, but the number remains significant, highlighting the ongoing concern with motorcycle safety.
Motorcyclists Seriously Injured (2022): - In 2022, 5,264 motorcyclists were seriously injured in crashes. This continues to reflect the high risks associated with motorcycle accidents.
Helmet Use Among Injured or Killed Motorcyclists: - 48% of motorcyclists who were killed or seriously injured in accidents in Texas were wearing helmets. This number shows that helmet use remains a critical factor in reducing fatalities, although a significant portion of fatalities still involves riders who were not wearing helmets.
Motorcycle Accident Fatalities: - The number of motorcycle fatalities has been on the rise for several years. In 2022, there were 563 motorcycle fatalities in Texas, a sharp increase from 556 in 2021, continuing the upward trend in fatalities that has been observed over the past decade.
Motorcyclists’ Share of All Vehicle Fatalities in Texas: - 18% of all traffic fatalities in Texas in 2022 involved motorcyclists. This marks an increase compared to previous years, indicating that motorcyclist fatalities are a growing concern in the state’s overall traffic safety landscape.
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents: - In 2022, there were 556 fatal motorcycle accidents in Texas, which is a slight increase from 533 in 2021. The fatality rate for motorcycle crashes continues to be disproportionately high compared to other types of vehicle accidents.
Rural vs. Urban Motorcycle Accidents: - 30% of motorcycle accidents in Texas occur in rural areas, while 70% happen in urban areas. The urban-rural divide in accident occurrence remains fairly consistent, with urban areas continuing to account for the majority of accidents.
Top Cities for Motorcycle Accidents: - In 2022, Houston led the state in motorcycle accidents, followed by Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth. These cities continue to see the highest number of motorcycle-related crashes due to their large populations and heavy traffic.
Risk Comparison: - Motorcyclists remain 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash than passengers in passenger vehicles, and they are five times more likely to be injured. These numbers reinforce the significant risks associated with riding motorcycles compared to driving cars.
The statistics indicate that motorcycle accidents in Texas remain a serious concern, with fatalities and injuries continuing to rise. While helmet use helps reduce the severity of injuries and fatalities, motorcyclists are still at a much higher risk of fatal accidents than other vehicle occupants. The increasing number of motorcycle fatalities is a troubling trend that underscores the need for improved safety measures, public awareness, and rider education. For more detailed information, it is always helpful to refer to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) websites or their most recent traffic reports.
At Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident lawyer will treat you more than “just another statistic”. Our experienced staff is dedicated to putting our clients’ lives back on track after facing the challenge of an accident.
Motorcycles vs. Cars
Some accidents are the fault of the motorcyclist, while for others another driver or pedestrian is at fault. Negligence was involved in the vast majority of accidents as they involved either speeding or alcohol use. When a car or other motor vehicle is involved in an accident with a motorcyclist, the motorcyclist is likely to be seriously injured.
The sheer difference in weight and size of the vehicles put the motorcyclist at a disadvantage. The average motorcycle weighs 700 pounds while the average weight of a car is 4000 pounds, 8500 pounds for an SUV, 7500 pounds for a truck and 85,000 pounds for an 18-wheeler.
TEXAS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY & MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS
If you’re a motorcyclist, you already know the large responsibility that having a motorcycle can be. While dangerous, motorcycling makes for an excellent hobby and can often lead you on the best adventures. There are more than 400,000 motorcycles registered in the Lone Star State. However, with it being hazardous, it would be beneficial if you were driving carefully, wearing proper safety gear, and keeping on top of your motorcycle maintenance. If you’re out on your motorcycle in Texas, here are some of the top tips to keep you and those around you safe.
THE DANGERS OF MOTORCYCLES IN TEXAS
The Texas Department of Transportation reported that in 2017 more than 450 motorcyclists were killed in accidents. Another 1,887 drivers and passengers suffered from incapacitating injuries such as brain damage and spinal cord damage. These fatalities and life-altering injuries included drivers and passengers with and without helmets. The statistics for injury and death may be daunting, but there are proactive ways to protect yourself, your friends, and your family, and there is help available for those who have been injured in a motorcycle accident.
ROAD RISK FOR TEXAS MOTORCYCLE RIDERS
Motorcycle riders are in a unique position on the road in that they are exposed to dangers that are not met by automobile drivers and other motorists. As a result, motorcyclists must be aware of the risks and remedies available if they are involved in a traffic accident.
The Fatality Rate of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas Has More Than Doubled Since 1999
The fatality rate for motorcycle accidents in Texas has significantly increased over the past two decades. In 1999, there were 145 motorcycle fatalities in the state. By 2022, that number had risen to 563, marking a nearly fourfold increase in fatalities. This surge reflects a troubling upward trend in motorcycle accidents, with fatalities continuing to rise each year despite various safety initiatives and awareness campaigns.
The fatality rate, as a percentage of all motor vehicle fatalities, has also risen, with motorcyclists now accounting for 18% of all traffic-related deaths in Texas, compared to just 10% in 1999.
This increase in fatalities highlights the growing danger for motorcyclists, even as the total number of traffic fatalities in Texas has fluctuated. Safety measures such as helmet use, rider education, and improved road conditions continue to be critical factors in preventing fatal crashes, but the overall risks for motorcyclists remain disproportionately high compared to other vehicle occupants.
- Road Hazards: potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris, ruts, uneven pavement, and railroad tracks can all be minor irritations for a car, but a major hazard to motorcycles.
- Avoid adverse weather conditions: Rain cuts your visibility and reduces your tires’ grip on the road. If you have to ride in the wind, be proactive in anticipating the potential push from the side by moving to the side of the lane the wind is coming from
HOW TO BOOST YOUR VISIBILITY IN TEXAS
When you’re out on your motorcycle, the last thing you want to be worried about is whether cars and other vehicles around you can see you. Here are six tips to help increase your visibility when you’re out on the road on your motorcycle and conditions are dark.
Top Tips to Increase Your Visibility and Safety While Riding a Motorcycle:
- Wear Brightly Colored Clothing
Opt for high-visibility gear in bright colors like neon yellow, orange, or green. This makes it easier for other drivers to see you, especially in low-light conditions. Consider jackets or vests with reflective elements to increase your visibility even more. - Upgrade Your Headlamp
Upgrade to a high-performance LED headlamp. These offer brighter and longer-lasting light, making it easier for you to see the road ahead and for other drivers to spot you, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. - Add Reflective Tape or Decals to Your Bike
Add reflective tape or decals to various parts of your motorcycle, such as the rims, frame, and helmet. These reflective materials will increase your visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions, when headlights from other vehicles hit your bike. - Stay Out of Blind Spots
Always be aware of other drivers’ blind spots, especially when riding near larger vehicles. Stay visible and avoid lingering in areas where other drivers may not be able to see you. Make sure to adjust your speed and lane positioning to ensure you remain in their view. - Add Auxiliary LED Lights to Your Bike
Installing auxiliary LED lights on your bike can dramatically increase your visibility on the road. These lights can be mounted on the front or rear of the bike to help other drivers see you from a greater distance, especially in daytime or low-light conditions. - Ride in a Group
Group riding can be an effective way to increase visibility, especially in traffic. Motorcycles traveling together create a larger presence on the road and can be more noticeable to other drivers. Always make sure your group follows proper safety protocols and maintains a safe distance from each other.
TEXAS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS AND HELMET USE: HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
Motorcycles can be extremely dangerous if proper safety precautions and careful driving are not employed. One of the biggest and most important precautions to take when riding a motorcycle is to wear protective gear. Helmets can absolutely save lives when it comes to motorcycling. When a person is wearing a motorcycle helmet, they actively protect not only their skull and face but also their brain and spine. Upon impact, brains can suffer traumatic injuries resulting in injuries as mild as concussions to as severe as paralysis or brain death. Helmets help protect against the dangerous results of a head impact during a motorcycle crash.
BENEFITS OF MOTORCYCLE MIRRORS IN TEXAS
Your motorcycle mirrors are one of your best resources to spotting potential hazards out of your immediate field of vision. Good mirror visibility is an important aspect of performance and truly contributes to overall riding enjoyment. The best way to get maximum visibility out of your motorcycle mirrors is to ensure you’re placing and adjusting them. Mirrors are good, of course, and can even make or break the safety of your motorcycle. However, you cannot rely solely on your mirrors to keep you safe and to help you avoid accidents.
DO NOT LANE SHARE IN TEXAS
In Texas, lane sharing is illegal. Lane sharing means that motorcycles ride between cars, passing over the solid yellow line or dashed white line or alongside cars within the same lane. Even if you think lane sharing will save you time or that your dexterity will eliminate any risk, you may be putting yourself or others in danger. You could fall into a blind spot, which can cause an accident and severe injuries to both you and the person in the cars around you.
MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE TASKS YOU SHOULD DO OFTEN
If you’re a motorcyclist, you already know the large responsibility that having a motorcycle can be. Here are five motorcycle maintenance tips that you should consider as a biker.
- Inspect your tires
- Check your oil
- Check or replace your battery if needed
- Inspect the frame of your motorcycle
- Change the air filter
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE IN A TEXAS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
If you are in a motorcycle accident that results in a personal injury- no matter the severity—and you are not at fault, you may be eligible for compensation. If this may be your case, you should consult with a personal injury attorney with experience in motorcycle accidents so that you can better your chances of a payout in court.
We Can Help You
If a motorcyclist is injured in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, the motorcyclist can recover compensation for losses that result through a personal injury lawsuit. Compensable losses include property loss, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Furthermore, if a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident, family members may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. If you are a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to contact a Texas motorcycle accident attorney at Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., who will review the facts of your case and represent you through this difficult period.
