The Lone Star State boasts the third largest motorcycle ridership in the United States. According to WorldAtlas.com, there are 443,856 registered motorcyclists in the state of Texas.
A combination of wide-open spaces, beautiful scenery, and favorable riding weather year-round makes Texas one of the prime riding states in the U.S. Unfortunately, this also means that there are a large number of motorcycle incidents in Texas each year. Motorcycle incidents are often catastrophic, especially in collisions, due to the lack of a protective cage and other safety restraints.
Just how common are motorcycle incidents? Let’s take a look at some statistics:
- Motorcycle fatalities: In 2015, a total of 459 individuals were killed in motorcycle incidents in Texas. Of those, 436 were motorcycle drivers and 23 were motorcycle passengers.
- Incapacitating injuries: In 2015, 1,887 individuals suffered incapacitating injures in motorcycle incidents in Texas. Of those, 1,708 were motorcycle drivers and 179 were motorcycle passengers.
- Non-incapacitating injuries: In 2015, a total of 3,324 individuals suffered non-incapacitating injuries in motorcycle incidents in Texas. Of those, 3,055 were motorcycle drivers and 269 were motorcycle passengers.
- Total number of motorcycle incidents: The total number of individuals involved in motorcycle incidents in Texas in 2015 was 9,185. This includes incidents resulting in fatalities, incapacitating injuries, non-incapacitating injuries, possible injuries, no injuries, and unknown injuries.
Data is from the Texas Department of Transportation.
What can we do to reduce the number of motorcycle incidents in Texas? Every driver – motorcycle or not – should make a conscious effort to respect other drivers, reduce distractions, obey traffic laws, and pay attention on the road. Drivers should be extra vigilant around motorcyclists. All too often, motorcyclists are not given the respect they deserve by those they share the road with.
Free consultation: Motorcyclists who have been injured and family members who have lost a loved one in a fatal motorcycle incident may be eligible for compensation. To speak to a personal injury attorney in a free consultation, please call 800-594-4884.