FEWER TEXAS MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT FATALITIES IN 2012

Texas saw a slight reduction in the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents last year.

Fewer Texas motorcycle accident fatalities in 2012

During the summer months, many Texans enjoy taking to the road on their motorcycles. When riding a motorcycle, however, it is critical that people take proper safety precautions to avoid dangerous collisions with other motor vehicles.

Recently, the Texas Department of Transportation reported that the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents in the state actually declined in 2012. The reduction was small -- 488 people were killed in such crashes in 2011, while there were 460 fatalities in 2012.

Although the six percent decline was not large, it was a rare occasion, as the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents has tended to rise steadily in recent decades. In fact, since 2004, the number of motorcycle collision fatalities in Texas has risen by a staggering 56 percent overall.

Motorcycle accidents are of particular concern in Texas and across the country due to the high rate of injuries and fatalities following such collisions -- practically 90 percent of such collisions lead to either personal injuries or death.

Consequently, experts are focusing on ways to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents that occur annually and further reduce the number of fatalities caused by such collisions.

Protect yourself from a dangerous motorcycle accident in Texas

In Texas, the Department of Transportation has taken steps to help protect motorcyclists on the road. For instance, it has initiated public awareness campaigns to encourage other motorists to be more aware of the motorcyclists on the road. The Texas Department of Transportation has encouraged drivers to "Look Twice" and "Share the Road" with motorcyclists.

In addition, the Federal Highway Administration has been researching the most common causes of motorcycle accidents for decades. It plans to release the results of the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study in 2015, after examining information from a minimum of 280 collisions.

Across the country, the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents more than doubled from 1997 to 2009. In 2009, the Federal Highway Administration reported that 4,462 people across the country were killed in such collisions.

Motorcyclists can also take proactive measures to protect themselves on the road. One of the best solutions is to always wear a helmet while riding, as they can reduce the severity of injuries and even prevent death.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the damage caused in the collision. Seek the advice of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

CMRA Racing At MotorSport Ranch, In Cresson, Texas, This Coming Weekend

This coming weekend, July 5-7, 2013, the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA) will be tearing up the track at MotorSport Ranch in Cresson, Texas. The track is located 14 miles south of Fort Worth on Highway 377. MotorSport Ranch is composed of two road courses: a 1.7-mile, 11-turn track and a 1.3-mile, 6-turn track, both of which will be utilized this weekend.

The weekend activities begin at 7:00 a.m. Friday with a CMRA License school, racer practice and street-rider track day provided by Lone Star Track Days (www.lstd.com).

Saturday's schedule begins at 9:00 a.m. on the 1.7-mile track. The 2-rider, 60-minute Team 60 race starts off the day, followed by Open Sprint Bike Practice from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Solo 30 races begin at 4:40 p.m. Activity on the “big track” concludes with a Track Walk from 6:40 – 7:40 p.m.

Meanwhile, Saturday events on the 1.3-mile track begin at 10:10 a.m. with a full slate of Mini sprint races including our one-of-a kind Junior Motard race designed for our youngest racers, ages 8-12. The 4-Hour Mini Bike Endurance begins promptly at 12:30, after the conclusion of the one hour lunch break. Saturday's racing concludes with a trophy presentation and trackside racer/spectator Meet and Greet party.

Sunday's schedule is jam-packed with a full day's worth of exciting and competitive Big Bike sprint races. Qualifying for Sunday’s premier race, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation/P1Racing Formula 1 Expert, begins at 9:45 a.m. Motorcycle road racing doesn't get much better than CMRA sprint racing where some of the fastest racers in the country grid up to show them how it's done in Texas!

There is live timing and scoring available for all the races via the Race Monitor App on mobile devices and online at www.cmraracing.com/timing.html Keep up with the action if you can't make it out to the track!

Gates open each day at 6:00 a.m. and we race rain or shine! Weekend entry into the event is only $15 on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, and just $10 on Sunday. Tickets are good for the entire weekend. Ride your street bike to the event and you'll pay just $5 for entry on both Saturday and Sunday! Kids 12 and under are free. A spectator lap of the track will be conducted during the lunch break on Sunday, schedule and weather permitting. Bring a cooler or visit the on-site mobile food truck. A special discount for 50% off official CMRA merchandise is available by printing the weekend flyer from the CMRA Home Page and bringing it to the merchandise booth at the track.

Please note that no pets are allowed at any of the CMRA race events and alcohol consumption is not permitted until racing is done for the day.

On behalf of our racers, the CMRA would like thank our 2013 Class Sponsors including: 212Decals.com, 995PaintWorks.com, Body Evolution Fitness Center, Breast Cancer Research Foundation/P1 Racing, HighPerformanceCrew.com, House of Paint Designs, Houston Superbikes, Island Racing Services, K&N Motorcycles, Lone Star Track Days, Moto Liberty, North Texas Superbikes, OnRoad OffRoad Suspension, RaceworX, Relentless Swagg, Road & Track Suspension, Six Three Cycles, South Central Race Center, Texas Tornado Boot Camp and TrackTactics Track Days. Please remember to support the products and services of the companies who support you!

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Source: RoadRacing World (AP, 7/2)

DPS Urges Motorists to Use Caution Around Motorcyclists

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding drivers on Texas roadways to use extra caution around motorcycles as part of Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, which is observed during the month of May.

“Because of size and visibility, motorcyclists face unique challenges on the road that make them more vulnerable,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “We encourage all drivers – whether on two wheels or four – to actively watch out for each other and obey traffic laws. Motorcyclists can further protect themselves by wearing helmets; and other drivers can help by looking twice and giving extra space to motorcyclists.”

Currently, there are more than 440,000 motorcycles and mopeds registered in Texas, and that number is expected to grow.

DPS recommends all drivers “Share the Road” and “Look Twice” for motorcycles, which are Texas Department of Transportation public awareness campaigns that highlight motorcycle safety. Motorists should use caution, especially at intersections and when changing lanes – two common places where serious motorcycle collisions occur. Half of all fatal motorcycle crashes in Texas occur because a car or truck driver never saw the motorcyclist.

In 2012, 460 people in Texas died in motorcycle crashes – down from the 488 motorcyclists who died in 2011. However, those deaths accounted for approximately 13 percent of all traffic deaths in the state last year, and 89 percent of motorcycle crashes in Texas result in death or injury.

In addition to the annual awareness campaign, May 2013 also marks the 30th anniversary of the DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit. The unit coordinates training courses at more than 200 locations around the state for both basic and experienced riders. Motorcyclists must be properly licensed to operate a motorcycle in the State of Texas. For more information on motorcycle training or to find a training location in your area, please call 1-800-292-5787 or visit www.dps.texas.gov/msb.

Drivers and motorcyclists can significantly reduce their chances of being involved in a serious or fatal crash by adhering to basic safety measures, including:

• Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width – never try to share a lane.

• Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.

• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.

• Allow more following distance – three or four sec¬onds – when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emer¬gency.

• Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

• Never drive while distracted.

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Source: KBTX (AP, 5/2)

Bikers rally at State Capitol for new motorcycle bill

Hundreds of bikers rumbled their way to the State Capitol Monday morning to promote a new piece of legislation.

The group of bikers is asking state lawmakers to pass the Motorcycle Crash Prevention Act, a bill aimed at lowering the number of motorcycle accidents across Texas.

Among other things, the bill would provide funding to expand Texas’ “Share the Road” program--a public service campaign intended to make drivers more aware of motorcycles on the road.

If the proposed bill becomes law, it would also fund more training for riders.

One of the event’s organizers says she's optimistic about the bill passing, thanks to the motorcyclists' lobby.

"We're all registered voters and we're heavily involved in all the politics of the state,” Terri Williams with the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association said. “We want to make them aware of us in large numbers to let them know that we have the backing of the state of Texas with the motorcyclists."

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Source: YNN (AP, 1/28)