Motorcycles are a common sight on Houston’s roads, from I‑45 to Beltway 8. Unfortunately, crashes involving motorcyclists remain a serious problem. In 2023, nearly 600 riders were killed and more than 2,400 were seriously injured in Texas motorcycle crashes (TxDOT). Understanding the leading causes of motorcycle accidents—and how to prevent them—can help riders stay safer on Houston’s busy streets.

Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes in Houston is distracted driving. Motorists who use cell phones, adjust navigation systems, or eat behind the wheel often fail to see motorcycles in their blind spots.

Prevention Tip: Motorcyclists should never assume a driver sees them. Stay visible by wearing bright gear, using headlights even during the day, and avoiding lingering in blind spots.

Failure to Yield

A significant number of motorcycle accidents occur when a driver turns left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle. NHTSA research found that in two‑vehicle motorcycle crashes, the passenger vehicle driver was responsible for failure to yield in more than one‑third of cases (NHTSA CrashStats). Similarly, the landmark Hurt Report determined that in nearly two‑thirds of multi‑vehicle crashes, the other driver violated the motorcyclist’s right‑of‑way—most often by failing to yield when turning left (Wikipedia – Hurt Report).

Prevention Tip: Riders should slow down and cover the brakes when approaching intersections—especially when cross‑traffic has the opportunity to turn left. Defensive riding can provide precious extra seconds to avoid a collision.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Excessive speed increases both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries. On Houston’s congested freeways, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable when other drivers ignore speed limits or weave through traffic.

Prevention Tip: Motorcyclists should maintain safe following distances and avoid matching the reckless pace of surrounding traffic. Extra spacing provides more time to respond to sudden lane changes or stops.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs remain common factors in serious motorcycle accidents. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and difficulty judging speed or distance, which makes it especially easy for them to overlook motorcycles.

Prevention Tip: Riders cannot control the actions of other drivers, but they can reduce risk by planning routes carefully. Avoiding late‑night travel on weekends, when drunk driving incidents are more frequent, and practicing defensive riding can help reduce exposure to impaired motorists.

When Prevention Isn’t Enough, Legal Help Matters

Hazards such as potholes, loose gravel, and debris may only be a nuisance for cars but can cause catastrophic wrecks for motorcyclists.

Prevention Tip: Riders should scan the road ahead for hazards, reduce speed in construction zones, and report dangerous conditions to Houston 311 or TxDOT when possible.

Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents in Houston often happen because of another driver’s negligence, unsafe road conditions, or both. While riders can take steps to reduce their risks, they cannot prevent all accidents.

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer today for a free case evaluation.