Amarillo is a growing city and as the city grows so does the traffic.   In the summer a lot of that traffic is on two wheels.   Summer brings out a multitude of motorcycles.

NewsTalk 940 AM logo
Get our free mobile app

There's a reason why so many campaigns are launched during the summer urging people to "Share the Road." According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2023, almost 600 riders died on Texas roads, and almost 2,500 were seriously injured in accidents.

Texas has Almost 400,000 Registered Motorcycles

From June 2023 to July 7, 2024, there were 124 motorcycle crashes in Potter and Randall County, with 8 resulting in fatalities. Many of these accidents occurred due to collisions with drivers of cars who failed to notice the motorcycles or misjudged their distance or speed. Motorcycles can appear farther away than they actually are, which contributes to these accidents.

If you are in a car and on the road, you have just as much responsibility if not more than the motorcyclist sharing the road with you.   While driving especially in the warmer months, it's important to keep an extra eye out for motorcycles.

How to Share the Road:

  • Make sure you make a mental note to check to see if motorcycles are nearby.
  • Look twice, double check to make sure there are no motorcycles to the left or right, in front or behind you.
  • Always use your blinkers and check your blind spots.
  • If you are turning left and you see a motorcycle coming your direction, wait and let them pass.   It's hard to determine their distance and speed.
  • Keep a good distance between you and a motorcycle if they are in front of you on the road.
  • Obey the speed limits.

Read More: Tragedy Hits Newly Opened Amarillo Restaurant

By doing this you are protecting yourself as well as those on motorcycles.  Motorcyclists also have to follow the laws and be aware of their surroundings.

Texas Department of Transporation
Texas Department of Transporation
loading...

Also, something to note for both drivers and motorcyclists, don't drink and drive.  Many of these wrecks found that one or more of those involved in the crash had drugs or alcohol in their system.

10 Tips to Allow Cars and Motorcycles to Safely Coexist

It's possible for cars, trucks, and motorcycles to safely share the road, but it takes mindfulness and cooperation on everyone's part. Remember these 10 tips before heading out on your next journey.

Gallery Credit: Cindy Campbell

Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State / Fatal Crash Rate

Throughout the country, motorcycle helmet laws vary depending on which of the 50 states you're riding through. The legal team at Anidjar & Levine recently compiled data from the National Highway Safety Transportation Association (NHSTA) comparing the number of fatal crashes in each state that involved the rider wearing a helmet and those without. Here's an alphabetical look at Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State / Fatal Crash Rate.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

See This Hilariously Awesome Jet Ski Motorcycle In Zavalla, Texas

If you have 6K you could be the talk of the town in Deep East Texas. Jonathan the creator said said, "If you are looking for a ATV or side-by-side call me at 409-738-5505"

Gallery Credit: Dan Patrick