AUSTIN, Texas — A new study found that the rate of fatal motorcycle crashes has risen at an alarming rate in Texas.
The rate of fatal motorcycle crashes is on the rise and the state of Texas ranks among the highest in the nation for motorcycle fatalities since 2019, according to QuoteWizard.com.
”The national rate was up 11 percent and in Texas it was up 16 percent,” said Rob Bhatt, Analyst with QuoteWizard.com. “The other troubling statistic is that Texas and Mississippi lead nationally in the rate of motorcycle fatalities. It's about 12 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.”
It’s not a surprising statistic to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
”We do see a lot of motorcycle crashes in the area,” said Sgt. Bryan Washko with DPS. “The majority of it is from vehicles colliding and failing to yield the right of way but, there are some instances where recklessness or carelessness caused the fatality.”
According to DPS, a lot of crashes involving motorcycles happen at stoplights.
”What we advise motorists to do is take a second look because a third of fatalities occur at intersections,” said Sgt. Washko. “So, whether you're turning right on red, make sure you take that second or third look to make sure it’s clear and not just for other vehicles but for motorcycles. Especially because they are hard to see.”
Losing a fellow rider at an intersection is something Wind Therapy Freedom Riders went through only a month ago.
”Another vehicle that was just being impatient made a maneuver that made him move over and he ended up losing his life over it,” said Luis Rodriguez, National President of Wind Therapy Freedom Riders.
That is why the Wind Therapy Freedom Riders stress extensive riding training for anyone on a bike.
”It’s a skill set that depreciates with time,” said Rodriguez. “If you don’t practice you lose that sense of balance. So, train, train, train and get yourself to where you’re an elite rider so you don’t have to worry about if you can get out of situations because you can handle them.”
It is also important to wear a helmet, at least half of motorcycle fatalities are due to riders not having a helmet on when they crash.
