Fatalities among teenage/young adult motorcyclists are on the rise.
18-Year-Old Motorcyclist Killed in Accident on the Far North Side
According to a KSAT News report, a young man was killed in a motorcycle accident last week.
Police reported the accident happened just after 11 p.m. on August 1st, at the intersection of Bulverde Road and Bulverde Parkway on the Far North Side. Police say that Shane William Irwin, 18, was riding northbound on Bulverde Road when he crashed head-on into a blue sedan that was traveling southbound and turning left onto Bulverde Parkway. The driver of the blue sedan was not intoxicated and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Irwin died of his injuries at the scene. It was not clear if he was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Motorcycle fatalities spiked in 2021, with 5,932 fatalities nationwide. This is the highest recorded number since data collection began in 1975.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Texas Teenagers
Motorcyclists ages 15 to 20 saw the largest percentage increase in fatalities in 2021, growing 35% over 2020.
Getting your license means finally being able to hit the road and go where you please — there’s hardly a more exciting time. However, motorcyclists in Texas face many dangers. It’s important that you are prepared before you head out so that you make it back home safely.
Teen Motorcyclist Crash Data
Teenage motorcyclists are being hurt and dying at faster rates than ever before. Here are some crash statistics that help explain why:
- More crashes happened during the day (57%) at non-intersections (65%),
- Most motorcyclists were struck in the front (75%),
- More accidents happened on weekdays as opposed to weekends,
- 43% of fatal accidents involving teen motorcyclists included speeding,
- Alcohol impairment was not a significant factor in teen motorcycle accidents.
Tips for Texas Teens to Stay Safe on a Motorcycle
Keep yourself safe and avoid becoming another statistic by following these tips:
- Wear All the Gear on Every Ride — Helmets save lives. Make sure yours fits and is DOT-approved. Protective clothing can prevent serious injuries.
- Obey the Speed Limit — Speeding will increase your risk of an accident and give you less time to react to danger.
- Watch for Hazards — Loose gravel, potholes, oil, small children, and dogs can all present serious hazards.
- Use Extra Caution at Intersections — Left-turn accidents are frequent in Texas. Don’t ever assume the other driver sees you, and always approach an intersection with caution.
- Give Plenty of Following Distance — Make sure you have plenty of space to react to sudden danger ahead.
- Ride Without a Passenger — Wait until you are more skilled to ride with a passenger.
- Stay Visible — Wear reflective gear. Choose bright, colorful helmets that stand out. Use your high beams, even during the day. Most drivers in Texas hit motorcyclists simply because they never saw them.
- Signal and Check Twice — Always use your signal when changing lanes, and look behind you before you begin to shift lanes.
Even if you ride responsibly, you can still be in a serious accident. Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed, especially when they are teenagers. Don’t take the blame for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Call Shaw.
Were You Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you or your teenager was hurt in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, call Shaw. You may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Ongoing Medical Care,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw to schedule your free consultation and find out what legal options are available to you at 800-862-1260. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.