TxDOT observes National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral)— The Texas Department of Transportation is raising awareness during National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Statistics show that Texas reported more than 9,000 motorcycle crashes last year.

Of the 9,000 crashes reported last year, 78 motorcyclists were seriously injured and 15 motorcyclists were killed in South Texas.

Bernie Garza, an instructor at Desperado Harley-Davidson's Rider Academy in McAllen, says the number one contributor to collisions is speed.

"People just need to slow down, whether it's in a car or a motorcycle," Garza said.

Garza teaches his students about inattentional blindness, where a person fails to notice visible objects in front of them because their attention is focused elsewhere.

"Never assume that they [drivers] see you. Always assume that you are invisible to them, because you are. It's called inattentional blindness. They can be looking right at you... They're distracted," Garza said.

TxDOT shares additional tips on how to prevent motorcycle crashes and how to practice safety on the road.

• Look twice
• Use caution when turning
• Don't tailgate
• Don't crowd
• Slow down

National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is observed each year in May.