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AAA Texas Reminds Motorcyclists and Drivers to Share the Road as Motorcycle Riders are 27 Times More Likely to Die in a Crash

Coppell, TX Transportation and Traffic Safety
motorcycle rider sunset

With most travelers choosing the car as their main mode of transportation this summer, AAA Texas wants to prevent fatalities and injuries due to motorcycle collisions. 412 motorcyclists were killed and more than 1,800 seriously injured in 2019 across Texas, according to the latest Texas Department of Transportation crash reports. While the number of motorcyclists killed declined year-to-year, motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in traffic fatalities, making up 11.3 percent of all fatal crashes on Texas roadways in 2019.

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Due to a lack of structural protection, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely than people in passenger cars to die in a crash, according to the National Safety Council. Many fatal crashes involving motorcycles on Texas roadways occur at intersections, often when drivers are making a left turn and do not see an oncoming motorcycle until it’s too late, according to TxDOT.

“Drivers and motorcyclists must do a better job sharing the road,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster. “Drivers should look twice when changing lanes, pay special attention at intersections and use extra caution when making left turns.”

In 45 percent of the fatal crashes, motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets, according to TxDOT crash reports. Texas law requires motorcyclists under 21 to wear a helmet, and riders 21 and older must wear a helmet unless they’ve completed a safety course or are covered by an applicable health insurance plan. AAA Texas recommends that all motorcycle riders and passengers should wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet.

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About AAA: AAA provides more than 60 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 34 motor clubs and nearly 1,100 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. AAA Texas branch offices throughout the state can be found by visiting www.AAA.com. Follow AAA Texas on Twitter: @AAATexas and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AAATexas. Find additional news from AAA Texas in our online newsroom at http://tx-aaa.iprsoftware.com/.

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AAA Texas is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the state of Texas (with the exception of Texarkana).