Look twice for motorcycles to help save lives

Austin – On busy roads, seeing what matters takes practice. By training your eyes to slow down and scan your surroundings, you can help keep yourself and fellow Texans safe.

When a motorcycle crash happens, drivers often say the same thing: “I didn’t see them.” But motorcycles aren’t invisible. They’re simply smaller and easier to overlook — especially when drivers are distracted, speeding or rushing through turns.

“Too many motorcyclists are killed on Texas roads, and we can help prevent these crashes by sharing the road,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Looking twice is how you Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. and can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.”

Motorcycle safety awareness month

This May, during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is urging drivers to build a simple, lifesaving habit: Look twice for motorcycles.

To help spread this message, families affected by motorcycle crashes are sharing their stories:

• Amy Jo Miller was enjoying a ride on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle in Bell County when a driver turned left in front of them, throwing her across the road. Seconds later, another driver ran over her, leaving her with multiple serious injuries. She survived, but more than 15 years later, Miller is still recovering from her injuries.
• Case Clark, of Lubbock, was riding his motorcycle when he was killed in a head-on collision. Clark’s family says he was everyone’s best friend, a loving son and brother, and favorite “Uncle Queso” to his nieces.
• Brendan Johnson, of Austin, was riding his motorcycle home from work when he was killed by a driver who turned left in front of him. Johnson left behind family, friends, and a community of loved ones.

Motorcycle riders are at higher risk

Motorcyclists have far less physical protection than people in vehicles. Without airbags, seat belts or steel frames surrounding them, even a relatively minor collision can have devastating consequences.

Last year in 2025, there were nearly 9,000 motorcycle crashes in Texas, killing 557 motorcyclists. That’s 15% of all crash fatalities statewide.

Habits that save lives

Many serious motorcycle crashes happen at intersections when drivers misjudge a rider’s speed or distance, particularly during left turns. A quick glance isn’t enough.

TxDOT encourages drivers to:

• Expect motorcycles. Train yourself to look for them
  
• Look twice before turning or merging
• Check mirrors and blind spots carefully
• Use turn signals when changing lanes or making turns
• Give motorcycles a full lane of space
• Maintain a safe following distance
• Slow down, obey posted speed limits and adjust for road conditions
• Small changes in awareness can have a major impact on safety

Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles

TxDOT is hitting the road with an interactive traveling exhibit featuring virtual reality simulations. Participants can experience traffic scenarios from both a driver’s and a motorcyclist’s perspective, demonstrating how easily a motorcycle can go unnoticed if a driver isn’t fully alert.

Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.