Safety Tips From the Texas Department of Public Safety

The Texas Department of Public Safety is celebrating Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in May.The DPS is reminding drivers on Texas roadways to use extra caution around motorcycles. "Because of size and visibility, motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road that make them more vulnerable" according to DPS Director Steven McCraw.

The department encourages all drivers--whether on tow or four wheels--to actively watch out for each other and obey traffic laws. Motorcyclists can further protect themselves by wearing helmets; and other drivers can help by looking twice and giving extra space to motorcyclists.

Currently, there are more than 440,000 motorcyclists and mopeds registered in the state of Texas, and that number is expected to grow.

Motorists should "Share the Road" and "Look Twice" for motorcyclists and use caution, especially at intersections and when changing lanes--two common places where serious collisions involving cyclists occur. Half of all fatal motorcycle crashes in Texas occur because the driver of a car or truck never see the motorcyclist

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