Motorcyclists sadly continue to make up a disproportionate share of traffic fatalities on our country’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, 6,335 motorcyclists died in 2023 in motor vehicle accidents.
This figure translates to 15%, or about 1 out of 6, of all traffic fatalities in the United States. The figure also belies that our nation is not heading in the right direction with respect to motorcycle safety. The number of motorcyclists killed in 2023 was the highest since the mid-1970s, or in about 50 years.
When providing the statistics, NHTSA did not comment on the cause of the fatal accidents. However, motorcycle safety is not a one-way street. It is true that motorcyclists need to drive safely just like any other motorist, but drivers of much larger vehicles have an obligation to look out for motorcyclists as well:
- At a minimum, other drivers need to follow Texas’s traffic laws and carefully avoid driving under the influence, driving while too tired or driving while distracted. Inattentive driving may or may not involve technology, but is also dangerous for others, especially unprotected motorcyclists.
- Drivers also need to give motorcyclists additional following distance. For safety reasons, motorcyclists typically downshift instead of braking to slow down, meaning there is little warning about a change in speed.
- Also, motorcyclists may need to swerve suddenly to avoid an obstacle that would be of little concern to the driver of a car or truck.
- Because of their size, motorcyclists are obviously harder to see, especially when they are close to cars or at intersections with obstructions.
- A bike’s size also makes it harder to judge the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. It is best to wait for the motorcycle to pass through an intersection, even if it looks like there is enough time to proceed.
- An experienced motorcyclist will weave a bit within their lane for visibility. Road rage is always dangerous, and a weaving motorcyclist is no reason for it.
Injured motorcyclists in the Houston area may have legal options
Motorists can take simple steps to make sure that the motorcyclists with whom they share the road stay safe. If they fail to take these steps and injure or kill a motorcyclist, they may be responsible to pay compensation to their victims.
Because of the weight difference between a motorcycle and a full-sized vehicle, victims of motorcycle accidents too often suffer severe injuries that create catastrophic financial and emotional fallout. Motorcyclists who are the victims of another’s negligence should make sure they understand their legal options.
