Motorcycle Accidents in Texas: Facts and Figures

If you have never been in a motorcycle accident or witnessed one, you would think they rarely happen. However, motorcycle accidents happen more often in Texas than you know, and they can have devastating effects. What’s more, the effects of a motorcycle accident are worse on the rider, especially because motorcycles provide minimal protection.

That is why we always recommend you never ride your motorcycle without your protective gear – such as a helmet. “With your protective gear on, you give yourself more protection than your ride could afford you,” says Attorney Felix Gonzalez of the Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm. With that said, below are important facts and figures every Texas resident should know about motorcycle accidents.

Motorcyclists Are At a Greater Risk of Getting Hurt

In a motorcycle accident, regardless of who caused the accident, cyclists are more susceptible to fatal injuries. That is because they are less protected, and also, they are more exposed on the road. For instance, the country recorded 82,528 motorcyclist injuries in 2020, with 468 injuries happening per 100 million miles traveled.

A Significant Percentage of Motorcycle Accident Victims Are Unlicensed Riders

Over a third of victims in a motorcycle accident are unlicensed and untrained riders. To put it more specifically, around 36 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes in Texas involve a rider without a valid license. Yet, the state of Texas mandates that riders must pass written and driving tests to earn a motorcycle endorsement, which complements their license.

Motorcycle Accidents Happen the Most In August

Generally, the number of motorcycle crashes that occur in Texas differ depending on the month we are in. For example, August is the most dangerous because 14 percent of all fatal crashes happen then while January is the safest with only three percent. A likely reason for this increase in August could be because of the summer weather conditions in this month.

Motorcycle Accidents Do Not Happen In the Rain That Often

It seems rather unlikely, but you would be surprised to know that motorcycle accidents occur less often in the rain. That is most likely because riders often cannot be on the road while the rain is pouring. More so, statistics show that only two percent of motorcycle accidents occur in the rain.

Failure to Wear a Helmet Is the Most Significant Risk Factor

While many factors can be referenced in a motorcycle accident, failure to wear a helmet is the biggest culprit. For example, in 2020, over two thousand accidents happened when motorcyclists refused to wear their helmets. If you are going to ride a motorcycle, you must wear a helmet to protect yourself against head injuries.

Any helmet you wear must be compliant with the Department of Transportation’s standards, with statistics showing that 65 percent of motorcyclists wear a DOT-compliant helmet. However, the six percent that wear a non-compliant helmet is still a cause for concern as they do not offer maximum protection. Nevertheless, it is still better and safer than not wearing a helmet at all; which significantly increases the risk of fatality.

Wearing your helmet should be your top priority as a motorcycle rider in Texas. While helmets do not necessarily stop motorcycle crash fatalities, they reduce the chances of death significantly – up to 37 percent.

The Required Helmet-wearing Age In Texas

Although helmets have the potential to save lives in a motorcycle crash, not every state mandates wearing them. Some states have helmet requirements for motorcycle riders, but only a few are actually strict with the laws, including Texas. More so, in Texas, if you are up to 20 years old, you are required by law to wear a helmet.

Conclusion

Being proactive when you ride your motorcycle in Texas can save your life in more ways than one. Therefore, exercise caution while riding and stay informed about applicable laws. If you were in a motorcycle accident, understanding these laws is even more important as they help you pursue compensation.