DALLAS — Texas transportation officials are urging drivers to stay alert and “look twice for motorcycles” as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, citing a continued rise in motorcycle-related crashes across the state.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says warmer weather typically brings more motorcycles onto highways and city streets, increasing the risk of collisions if drivers are not attentive.
According to TxDOT, there were 8,932 motorcycle crashes in Texas last year, resulting in 557 deaths and 2,468 serious injuries. Motorcyclists accounted for 15% of all motor vehicle fatalities in Texas in 2025, highlighting their vulnerability on the road.
Officials warn that motorcycles are often harder to see in blind spots and can appear farther away than they actually are, leading to dangerous misjudgments during lane changes, turns, and merging. Because riders lack the protective structure of a passenger vehicle, even minor crashes can result in severe or fatal injuries.
TxDOT’s safety campaign is encouraging drivers to reduce risks by checking blind spots carefully, avoiding distractions such as texting, maintaining safe following distances, and slowing down in heavy traffic conditions.
Motorcyclists are also being reminded to wear helmets and protective gear, stay visible to other drivers, and ride defensively, especially during peak traffic periods.
Transportation officials say the goal of the campaign is to reduce preventable crashes as more riders return to Texas roads during the spring and summer months.