Be Motor Ready: What Drivers and Riders Need to Know for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the risks and responsibilities that come with the thrill of two wheels. While motorcycles offer convenience and a sense of freedom, they also expose riders to greater danger on the road.

In 2023 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 6,335 motorcycle fatalities, accounting for approximately 15% of all traffic deaths in the U.S.

In honor of this awareness month, here’s what every driver and rider needs to know to help prevent accidents—and what to do if one occurs.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are agile and efficient, especially in traffic. However, their size and exposure create unique vulnerabilities. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

1. Low Visibility

Motorcycles are significantly smaller than cars and trucks. In heavy traffic or bad weather, they’re easily hidden in blind spots—especially at intersections, where many crashes occur.

2. Speeding

Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance. Motorcyclists who exceed the speed limit may not be able to avoid sudden obstacles, leading to serious crashes.

3. Road Hazards

Potholes, loose gravel, debris, and uneven pavement may be minor annoyances for cars but can cause motorcycles to lose balance and crash.

4. Defective Motorcycle Parts

Mechanical issues such as brake failure, faulty tires, or steering defects can make it impossible for a rider to control their bike safely.

5. Hazardous Weather Conditions

Unlike enclosed vehicles, motorcycles offer little protection from the elements. Rain, extreme heat, or high winds can impair visibility and traction, increasing the risk of an accident.

6. Inexperienced Riders

Novice motorcyclists—especially young or newly licensed ones—may not have the skills to react safely in high-pressure situations, traffic, or changing weather.

7. Distracted Driving

Whether it’s a rider or another motorist, distractions like texting, fatigue, or talking can lead to devastating outcomes. Focused attention is critical for safety on the road.

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See also: 

Common Risks of Motorcycle Riding

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Staying Safe on the Road

Motorcycle riders should always wear the appropriate protective gear—helmets, gloves, jackets, and boots—and operate their vehicles with a clear mind and full awareness. Even if you’re driving responsibly, others may not be, and their negligence can put you in harm’s way.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Here’s How to Identify Liability

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, determining liability is essential for seeking compensation. In most cases, this means proving that another party was negligent.

Because proving negligence can be complex, it’s recommended that you work with a personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights.

Evidence You May Need Includes:

• Medical records

• Photos or videos of the crash scene

• Witness statements

• Police reports

• Traffic or dashcam footage

These materials help identify the responsible party and support your claim for compensation, which may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Texas? Call Shaw! 

Don’t take the blame for an accident that wasn’t your fault. If you or your loved one had an injury from a motorcycle accident due to other people’s negligence anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Ambulance Costs,
• ER Treatment,
• Surgeries,
• Medical Bills,
• Pain and Suffering,
• Property Damage,
• Missed Work,
• Wrongful Death,
• And More.

We can help you find out for free.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We put our clients first because we care.

We look forward to serving you.