Look, Learn, Live: TxDot’s Campaign to Increase Motorcycle Awareness
The Look, Learn, Live campaign was launched last year to help improve motor vehicle driver’s awareness of motor cycle safety for both themselves and for the motor cycle rider.
According to TxDot, Texas has over 431,000 motor cycle riders. Unfortunately as the amount of motorcycle riders increase, so do crashes. The message of Look, Learn, Live is to make both motorcycle riders and vehicle drivers aware that 50% of motorcycle wrecks involve a motor cycle and a vehicle.
The “Look” portion of Look, Learn, Live is for motorists who share the road with motorcyclists. There are several key safety tips TxDot emphasizes for motorists:
-Look twice for motorcyclists —at intersections, entering
highways and whenever turning or changing lanes. The small size
of motorcycles often makes them hard to see, and motorcyclists can
get lost in blind spots.
-Always maintain a safe following distance. Motorcycles can stop
more quickly than passenger vehicles.
-When passing a motorcyclist, move to the other lane and allow a
full lane for the motorcycle. After doing so, avoid re-entering the
lane too quickly.
The “Learn” portion of Look, Learn, Live is a course for motorcyclists that goes over everything from the basics to defensive driving skills that can help you in a number of situations. The course is primarily for inexperienced riders who are under 18, riders who have just purchased a motorcycle, or riders who are unaware of new legislation pertaining to motorcycles.
The “Live” segment challenges motorcyclists to “Ride sober, not impaired.” Over half of motorcycle crashes involve alcohol or drugs. Of this 50%, most of the crashes involve impact with an off-road object such as a tree or other roadside hazard. To show its support for the motorcycle riders, the Anderson Law Firm sponsors a free motorcycle towing service for impaired riders called "Ride Safe, Ride Sober."
I applaud TxDot for challenging the entire driving population to increase motorcycle safety. Awareness is often the best form of education. I know after reading this I will think twice before changing lanes, and I will surely “look twice” for motorcyclists.
Information and Commentary provided by Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark A. Anderson. Mark has represented many motorcycle riders and is an advocate for motorcycle safety. Mark can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or online by clicking here.











