Dallas and Fort Worth were among the top cities for motorcyclist deaths last year, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Rider deaths across the state increased 7% last year from 2022, with intersection fatal crashes up 21%. The increase translated to nearly 600 people on motorcycles being killed in crashes and more than 2,400 riders seriously injured. Fort Worth ranked third among cities with the most motorcycle fatalities last year, while Dallas came in fourth.
Houston and San Antonio took the top two spots, while Arlington, Denton and Lewisville ranked ninth, tenth and eleventh, respectively.
Despite the metro hotspots, fatalities have remained constant in Dallas County. Last year, 210 motorcycle crashes caused death or serious injury — one less than in 2022, according to TxDOT collision data.
Statewide motorcyclist deaths have been trending up since 2020. Speed, distracted driving and drivers failing to yield to motorcyclists — particularly when making left turns at intersections — are among the top reas ons for multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes.
Though the agency could not speculate on the cause for the year-over-year increase, motorcycles can be harder to spot given their size, contributing to crash risk.
“It can be hard to judge the distance, size and speed of a motorcycle, which is why we need to pay extra attention when sharing the road,” TxDOT executive director Marc Williams said in a statement.
TxDOT spokesperson Alice Shaw said the agency doesn’t have data on why some regions consistently see more crashes than others, but varying road design and topography could play a role.
“As far as how interstates or highways are set up, some of these have more backward, windy roads and things like that,” Shaw said. “I think the landscape and the geographic location can make a big difference in that regard.”
Still, the differentials remain murky, Shaw stressed, and drivers and riders practicing safety is the best prevention. The agency is launching a May safety campaign as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
They’re cautioning drivers to keep a safe following distance, double-check blind spots when turning or changing lanes, avoid distractions and follow posted speed limits.
The agency will host a public awareness exhibit at Rider’s Field in Frisco May 9 at 6:35 p.m. Participants can experience a virtual reality simulation aimed at demonstrating the difficulties of spotting motorcyclists in high-risk traffic situations.
