TxDOT's Williams on annual motorcycle safety campaign: 'It’s crucial that drivers remain alert'

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on Tuesday (May 3) – in conjunction with law enforcement representatives and motorcycle safety advocates – announced the start of the annual "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" campaign, per a report from Austin CBS affiliate KEYE. 

More than two days into what's designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month, TxDOT reported that motorcycle fatalities statewide in 2021 jumped 7%, according to KEYE.

"[Five hundred nineteen] killed," Sergeant Brian Washcoat with the Texas Department of Public Safety told the station. "[Five hundred nineteen] killed in Texas, our state alone. That is the highest of any year and that trend is unacceptable."

The state agency added that congested roadways, distracted driving and the difficulty of seeing motorcycles on streets and highways are leading contributors to fatal crashes that are easily preventable.

TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams told the station that at least one fatal motorcycle accident occurs in a day.

“Each of these riders is a husband or wife, someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister or mother or father," Williams said, per KEYE. "As more and more motorcyclists take to the road to enjoy the beautiful Texas scenery and warmer weather, it’s crucial that drivers remain alert and look out for people riding motorcycles.”

According to Corpus Christi ABC affiliate KIII, the annual campaign is part of TxDOT's #EndTheStreakTX initiative.

#EndTheStreakTX uses social media and word-of-mouth to urge motorists to commit to safe driving in an effort to snap the streak of daily vehicular-related deaths on Texas roads, KIII reported.

Nov. 7, 2000, was the last time no fatal traffic accidents occurred in the Lone Star State, per TxDOT.

In order to prevent crashes, TxDOT urges motorcyclists to apply extra care to left turns, pay special attention to intersections, look twice before executing lane changes, devote all attention to the road, give fellow riders space and heed speed limits, Yahoo News reported.