The State of Texas is sounding the alarm on a deadly uptick in motorcycle casualties. Texas reported a disturbing increase in motorcyclist deaths last year, with nearly 600 riders killed on the roads, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Alongside the fatalities, more than 2,400 motorcyclists faced severe injuries from crashes.
Behind these grim statistics is the story of Al Peterson, a father and husband from Leander. A near-fatal incident left Peterson seriously injured last May after a car turned left in front of him, catapulting him across a street and breaking his ribs, leg, and pelvis, along with internal injuries, as told by TxDOT. Peterson's crash, almost robbing his children of their father, marks a personal narrative amid the broader tragedy.
The rise in motorcycle-related fatalities isn't ignorable, up by 7% from the previous year, with intersection fatal crashes spiking by an alarming 21%. The struggle remains with motorcycles being less visible on the road, prompting TxDOT to urge drivers to look not just once, but twice for bikers. "It can be hard to judge the distance, size and speed of a motorcycle, which is why we need to pay extra attention when sharing the road," said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May brings TxDOT's Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign into the spotlight, aiming to curb the dire trend of rising motorcycle casualties. The campaign imparts tips for driver vigilance, such as using signals when changing lanes and giving bikes ample space – simple measures that could spare families from the anguish of loss.
Welcome additions to this year's campaign include an on-the-road exhibit with a virtual reality component that lets drivers step into the shoes of both automotive and motorcycle operators in high-risk scenarios. TxDOT hopes to make an impact with the immersive experience and part of the ongoing #EndTheStreakTX initiative, calling drivers to action - the last day without a road death in Texas being all the way back on Nov. 7, 2000.
For those seeking more information on the campaign or on the TxDOT efforts, media representatives can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 512-463-8700. The data presented in the TxDOT report reflects incidents processed by the department up to April 4, 2024.
