May is motorcycle awareness month

As motorcycle fatalities continue to rise and the spring weather draws more riders to Texas roadways, TxDOT is urging drivers to look twice and be considerate on the road around motorcycle riders.

Amy Jo Miller was enjoying a ride on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle in Bell County when an inattentive driver turned left in front of them, hitting the bike and throwing her across the road. Seconds later, another vehicle then ran her over in a hitand- run crash, leaving her with multiple serious injuries. Fortunately, she survived, but 15 years later, Amy Jo is still recovering from her injuries.

Amy Jo, now 49, is just one of thousands of Texas motorcyclists seriously injured— or worse, killed— in crashes every year. In 2022, 562 motorcycle riders were killed in motor vehicle crashes, an 8% increase over the previous year.

“People on motorcycles are more vulnerable on our roadways,” said Tx-DOT Executive Director Marc Williams. ” In addition to National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, TxDOT’s annual safety campaign “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” also aims to protect motorcyclists by educating drivers on how to safely share the road. Below are safety precautions all motorists should keep in mind to help prevent motorcycle crashes: Stay alert. Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction, such as answering a phone call or changing the radio station, can have deadly consequences. Give motorcyclists room when passing them.