Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas [2024 Updated]

Riding a motorcycle can be exciting, thrilling, and a fun way to spend your free time. However, if you do not exercise caution at all times, you could end up in a deadly crash. Since motorcycles are open vehicles with very few safety features, motorcycle accidents have the potential to be particularly catastrophic. If you own a motorcycle and want to know how to be a safer driver, you may want to know the common causes of motorcycle accidents in Texas.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Texas

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were nearly 600 deaths in motorcycle accidents in 2023, with another 2,400 injuries as well. This was a 7% increase in the number of deaths from 2022. Some ways to help prevent motorcycle accidents as a responsible driver could be:

• Be Aware: Always check your surroundings for oncoming vehicles, but take extra care to watch for motorcycles. They are small and quick, so you may not immediately notice them. Never forget that one could be there, though.
• Wait to Turn: It is good practice to never turn left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. You may not be able to accurately judge their speed or distance. Always use your turn signal, and let them drive past you before turning left.
• Give Space: You should treat motorcycles on the road the same way you treat other cars. Keep an adequate amount of distance between you and them. Sometimes, motorcyclists can downshift to reduce their speed, which can cause a quick drop in speed without activating the brake lights. If you keep enough distance, this may not result in you hitting them from behind.

Motorcycle accident injuries can be particularly life-threatening if proper precautions, such as helmets, are not taken. There are many different causes of motorcycle accidents. While some may be similar to those behind car accidents, the results can be quite different thanks to the small size of the vehicle and its lack of safety features. Some of these causes are:

Distracted Driving

According to information gathered by the Texas Department of Insurance, over 390,000 people per year are injured in car accidents caused by distracted driving, and over 3,500 people are killed. Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in the country and in Texas. Distractions can be any behavior that causes you to take your eyes off the road, including:

• Texting
• Talking on the phone
• Eating and drinking
• Playing with the radio
• Doing your makeup
• Talking to other passengers
• Engaging in road rage

Engaging in these behaviors may cause you to miss an oncoming motorcyclist and lead to an accident. For motorcyclists, distracted driving can be even deadlier. Regardless of what you are driving, you should never lose focus on the road ahead of you and constantly be aware of your surroundings.

Speeding

Motorcycles are fast and cool. Nobody wants to drive a motorcycle at 30 miles per hour. However, that doesn’t give motorcyclists a free pass to drive as fast as they want. Speed limits exist to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from being victims of accidents caused by excessive speed. Speeding reduces your reaction time and can make accidents considerably worse if you hit something while going well over the posted speed limit.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving has been one of the most significant factors in motorcycle accidents in the last few years. In 2020, 27% of motorcycle crashes involved alcohol in some capacity. Drinking and driving is one of the most dangerous decisions you can make, and that decision can be even more dangerous when you are driving a motorcycle.

Not only does alcohol impair your judgment, but it can blur your vision, greatly reduce your reaction time, and cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Biggest Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?

A: The leading cause of motorcycle accidents in the entire country is simply a failure by other drivers to actually see oncoming motorcyclists. When a driver fails to notice an oncoming motorcycle and takes a left-hand turn in that direction, the resulting “T-bone” collision can cause horrific damage to the motorcyclist and their vehicle. Double-checking blind spots and being aware of your surroundings can go a long way toward preventing some of these accidents.

Q: What Type of Motorcycle Is Involved in the Most Accidents?

A: According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the super-sport bike is the most dangerous type of road-legal motorcycle available on the market. In 2021, there were well over 1,160 fatalities associated with the super-sport bike, which features an exceptionally powerful engine and is capable of reaching speeds of well over 180 miles per hour. Its powerful engine makes it very difficult to control at excessive speeds.

Q: Should I Contact the Police After a Motorcycle Accident?

A: Yes, you should always contact the police following a motorcycle accident. In the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it is important to prioritize your safety and your future insurance claim. Always notify authorities in the event of an accident. You will need a valid police report for your insurance claim. It is also good practice to document the scene as much as you can while waiting for police to arrive.

Q: What Is a Factor in Most Fatal Motorcycle Crashes?

A: A factor in every motorcycle crash, fatal and nonfatal alike, is helmet usage. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 25,000 people’s lives were saved just by wearing motorcycle helmets between 2002 and 2017. They have been proven to be at least 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries for motorcycle drivers and 41% effective for motorcycle passengers.

Reach Out to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

Dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be stressful and frightening. You may be feeling lucky that you survived the accident, and seeking compensation from any negligent parties can be one way to make sure someone is held accountable. At Stevenson & Murray, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you develop your case. Reach out to schedule a consultation today.