Fatal Motorcycle Crash Occurs in Travis County
In late December, a 60-year-old man driving a motorcycle failed to navigate a turn near FM 1626 and Katy Lane in South Travis County. The resident of Buda, Texas, was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead when authorities arrived on the scene around 5:30 in the morning.
Motorcycles are common vehicles in Texas, and due to the climate in most of the state, can be taken out for a significant portion of the year. However, riders should take motorcycle safety seriously, including going through driver training, obeying the law, and following safety precautions like taking turns at a moderate speed and wearing a helmet. Without these steps, motorcycle riders are likely to cause accidents, leading to their own and other individuals’ injuries and deaths.
Texas Motorcycle Laws
Texas law requires prospective motorcycle riders complete a basic safety and riding program in addition to the requirements for a regular driver’s license and take a motorcycle driving test to receive a Class M driver’s license. However, it may be better to take more than the basic course. Riders who want to learn more than fundamentals of riding can take advanced courses that teach additional maneuvering and how to ride in wet conditions.
Not all motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets in Texas. Motorcycle operators and riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet while on the bike. Riders over the age of 21 have the option to forego the helmet if they complete a safety course and have a health insurance plan.
Like all drivers of any vehicles, Texas motorcycle riders must obey all traffic laws. This includes carrying their driver’s license with them, maintaining the proper auto insurance, and following the speed limit and all posted traffic signs. Motorcycle riders are just as liable for accidents they cause on the road as any other vehicle or truck driver. By obeying all traffic laws, motorcycle riders reduce the risk of a collision and avoid financial liability for another person’s injuries or death.
Safety Navigating Curves on a Motorcycle
One of the skills motorcycle riders must master is navigating curves. Turning on a motorcycle is far different than turning on a bicycle or in a vehicle. Without turning properly, motorcycle riders can cause accidents that lead to injury and fatalities. To property turn, motorcyclists should:
- Slow down by braking or downshifting;
- Not slam on the brakes;
- Not speed up as they approach the curve;
- Look in the direction they want to ride
- Not begin a turn too early;
- Begin a turn later when there is more space and a better view of the road ahead; and
- Never attempt to pass another vehicle during a turn.
Contact the Bettersworth Law Firm for Help
If you or your family has been affected by a motorcycle accident, contact a passionate New Braunfels personal injury attorney at the Bettersworth Law Firm today to learn how you may be able to recover. If your or your loved one’s injuries were caused by another driver, you may be able to receive compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury suit. We can investigate your situation, determine who is liable, and seek damages on your behalf.
Sources:
http://kxan.com/2016/12/27/motorcyclist-dies-in-fm-1626-crash/
http://www.txdot.gov/driver/share-road/motorcycles.html
