AUSTIN — Texas transportation officials have launched "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" a campaign designed to curb accidents involving people riding their two-wheeled vehicles on the state's roadways.

The campaign launch is timed with the upcoming Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to be observed in May. The promotional effort urges drivers to be extra vigilant for motorcyclists, especially at intersections and when changing lanes. "Part of our responsibility as motorists is to always be aware of other vehicles on the road and to give them plenty of space," TxDOT Executive Director James Bass said in a prepared statement. "Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable because they can be difficult to see and don't have the standard safety features found in cars and trucks. On a motorcycle, even a relatively minor collision can be fatal, so we're urging drivers to please keep an eye out for their fellow motorists."



En español: Grim statistics point to the campaign's need. Motorcyclists are nearly 5 times more likely to be injured and 29 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car or truck occupants, officials said. More than half (54 percent) of fatal motorcycle crashes result from a collision with a car or truck, according to another statistic.



From 2015 to 2016, Texas motorcycle fatalities increased from 464 to 493 (6 percent), and crashes resulting in seriously injured motorcyclists increased from 1,902 to 2,006 (5 percent), officials added. It's during the summer months when the highest incidences of motorcycle crashes occur.

To curb accidents involving motorcycles, TxDOT's "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" campaign reminds drivers to:

Always use turn signals.

Give motorcycles plenty of space and don't follow too closely.

Check mirrors before changing lanes.

Give motorcyclists a full lane. This year's "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles" campaign will conduct outreach events inviting visitors to participate in activities that highlight motorcycle safety. The campaign had its statewide launch in Austin on Thursday. Other campaign tour stops are:

April 29 – San Antonio

April 30 – Houston

May 6 – Waco

May 18 – El Paso

May 27 – Dallas To learn more about the campaign, visit LookTwiceTexas.com or visit TxDOT's website at txdot.gov. You can also follow TxDot on Facebook at facebook.com/TxDOT and on Twitter at twitter.com/txdot.

