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Safety officials across Texas have noted that motorcycle crashes and fatalities have continued to rise. Since the story first broke last year, cities across the state have been reporting higher-than-usual numbers of fatal traffic accidents involving motorcycles. Here are some statistics about the issue:
- According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were nearly 500 motorcycle fatalities in 2014 across the state.
- Last year, motorcycle fatalities increased in numerous Texas cities and counties, especially those in North Texas. In places like Amarillo, for example, motorcycle deaths this year have already surpassed the total number of deaths during the entirety of 2014.
- In addition to a rise in rider fatalities, officials are also reporting an overall increase in traffic accidents involving motorcyclists.
- Investigators have noted that speed was a contributing factor in over half of all motorcycle fatalities. Drivers failing to see motorcycles was also a common factor.
- Out of all motorcycle fatalities, riders in only 47% of crashes were wearing a safety helmet.
- There are currently more than 440,000 registered motorcycle and moped riders in Texas - a number that is continually increasing.
As May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, local law enforcement and safety agencies have been working on special initiatives to help reduce the number of motorcycle incidents on public roads. Many of these efforts are designed to help motorcyclists ride more safely and to ensure that motorists in passenger vehicles safely share the road.
Safety officials are encouraging local motorists to make the extra effort to ride safely, especially at intersections and when changing lanes - the most common places where motorcycle collisions take place. If you have questions about your rights after a motorcycle accident, our legal team is here to review your case during a FREE consultation.