In an effort to curb an increase in motorcycle fatalities on Texas roads, the Texas Department of Transportation is launching its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May. The campaign implores drivers to watch closely for motorcycles, especially at intersections and when changing lanes.

Motorcyclists are nearly 5 times more likely to be injured and 29 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car or truck occupants. More than half (54 percent) of fatal motorcycle crashes result from a collision with a car or truck. From 2015 to 2016, Texas motorcycle fatalities increased from 464 to 493 (6 percent), and crashes resulting in seriously injured motorcyclists increased from 1,902 to 2,006 (5 percent). The summer months have the highest incidences of motorcycle crashes. TxDOT’s “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign reminds drivers to:

• Always use turn signals.
• Give motorcycles plenty of space and don’t follow too closely.
• Check mirrors before changing lanes.
• Give motorcyclists a full lane.