The Texas Department of Transportation announced on Apr. 30 that it is urging drivers across the state to adopt the habit of looking twice for motorcycles, especially during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May.
The campaign highlights the increased risk faced by motorcyclists and aims to reduce motorcycle-related crashes and fatalities on Texas roads. According to TxDOT, last year there were nearly 9,000 motorcycle crashes statewide, resulting in the deaths of 557 motorcyclists—representing about 15% of all traffic fatalities.
"Too many motorcyclists are killed on Texas roads, and we can help prevent these crashes by sharing the road," said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. "Looking twice is how you Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. and can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy."
TxDOT's message is reinforced through personal stories from families affected by motorcycle crashes, including Amy Jo Miller from Bell County who survived serious injuries after being struck by two vehicles while riding as a passenger; Case Clark from Lubbock who was killed in a head-on collision; and Brendan Johnson from Austin who died when a driver turned left in front of him.
Motorcycle riders have less physical protection than those in cars or trucks, making even minor collisions potentially devastating. Many serious accidents occur at intersections when drivers misjudge speed or distance—often during left turns—and simply glancing once may not be enough to spot an approaching motorcycle.
To address this issue, TxDOT encourages motorists to expect motorcycles on every trip, check mirrors and blind spots carefully before turning or merging, use turn signals properly, give motorcycles their own lane space, maintain safe following distances, slow down as needed for conditions, and always obey posted speed limits.
TxDOT is also taking its safety message on tour with an interactive exhibit featuring virtual reality simulations that allow participants to experience traffic scenarios from both driver’s and rider’s perspectives. This initiative forms part of "Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe." which promotes thoughtful choices behind the wheel.
The department operates under the authority of the Texas Transportation Commission according to its official website. It manages one of the largest state-maintained highway systems nationwide—including highways, bridges, ferries, toll roads and electric vehicle charging infrastructure—as well as programs that preserve cultural resources such as archeological sites and historic bridges according to its official website.
With headquarters in Austin and district offices throughout Texas addressing regional needs according to its official website, TxDOT focuses on building safe connections via highways, railways, aviation facilities transit networks and ports according to its official website. The agency gained recognition for initiatives like "Don't Mess With Texas," which encourages environmental stewardship statewide according to its official website.
As Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month continues through May—and with warmer weather bringing more riders onto roadways—TxDOT reminds all Texans that small changes in awareness can have major impacts on safety.
