KILLEEN, TX — The spring temperatures have many motorcyclists hitting the highways and byways. But with hundreds of riders dying on Texas roads every year, drivers are reminded to pay attention.
Riders met in Killeen Sunday for the eighth anniversary of the “Do You See Me Now Motorcycle Safety and Awareness” event is located in Central Texas.
"Everybody needs to be on guard and be observant of riders, and riders need to do the same thing," said Bruce Raymond, event organizer.
The Do You See Me Now event was created by a group of riders in 2012. The event offers music, raffles, and food. Riders will begin at Cycle Gear, Killeen before heading off to 281 Cafe and Dance Hall in Lampasas.
This event kicks off the National Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in May. Last year, 417 motorcyclists were killed on Texas roads.
The state has made strides in reducing motorcycle deaths. Last year, there were 17 percent fewer fatalities. Many of the riders at the event had close calls.
"I honestly don’t remember any of it, from what I do know fact-wise from the police, I was a passenger on a motorcycle. Somebody had turned in front of us, made a left, we collided with their vehicle. I landed in the road, and was ran over by a second vehicle who fled the scene," said Amy Jo Miller. She suffered extensive brain trauma and stroke, as well as a broken neck and femur.
One of the most common crashes involving motorcycles happens when drivers make left turns at intersections. This is due to driver's difficulty judging the distance and speed of motorcycles. TxDOT says about 30 percent of Texas motorcycle deaths in 2018 were intersection-related.
TxDOT reminds drivers:
· Look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
· Always assume motorcycles are closer than they appear to be, and avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
· Use turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes.
· Always maintain a safe following distance.
· Give motorcyclists a full lane, especially when passing.
· As always, obey posted speed limits.
