Texas is a big state with a lot of open roads, making it a paradise for people who love motorcycles. You could ride for hours and never leave the state. Depending on where you live, you might be able to ride almost all year round because there won’t be the harsh winter weather that people experience in the northern parts of the country.
Despite the enjoyment and potential cost savings of riding a motorcycle all year, it could increase your risk of a serious collision. You are always at risk of getting into a crash caused by a motor vehicle driver However, during the late fall, winter and early spring, your risk may be higher than usual.
If there are fewer motorcyclists on the road, drivers don’t watch for you
Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries when drivers don’t see them. The sad truth is that drivers often overlook motorcycles. In fact, research shows that they can look right at a motorcycle and never mentally register its presence.
That inattentional blindness requires that a driver actively think about road risks like pedestrians and motorcyclists. People who check for motorcycles are less likely to cause a crash with one.
In the cooler seasons when fewer people are out riding, the average driver will be less likely to look for someone on a motorcycle. Even if you invest in high visibility gear and have a big, loud motorcycle, someone might turn right in front of you as though you weren’t on the road.
Recognizing factors that increase your risk for a motorcycle crash could help you avoid one on the Texas roads. If you are involved in a crash caused by a driver, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options.