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Tx-DOT asks you to "look twice" for motorcyclists

Posted: 4:48 PM Jun 18, 2012
Reporter: Allison Harris

Allison Harris reports

DENISON, TEXAS -- "Motorists just simply don't see motorcycles," Texas Department of Transportation worker Patsy Walls said.

Today in Denison, Texas transportation and public safety officials teamed up to encourage drivers to look twice for motorcyclists.

"Since it's smaller than your average vehicle, it's a little more difficult to see," Texas State Trooper Mark Tackett said.

"People pull out in front of you all the time," Denison motorcyclist Lyndol Irby III said.

Tx-DOT says that in 2011, 470 Texas motorcyclists were killed in accidents. More than 5,700 bikers were severely injured.

"That's the problem out there on the roadways. Look twice for motorcycles. Seeing them is saving them," Walls said.

Tx-DOT also says that without "aggressive steps" to make roads safer for bikers, the state's death toll could double by 2015.

"People just need to be more cautious and pay more attention to other motorcycles," Irby said.

Drivers need to be extra aware for summertime.

"The month of June is the height of motorcycle season in Texas. There's more bikers on the road. So we want people to realize that through June and July, people need to be more aware of those motorcycles," Tackett said.

In Denison, Allison Harris, First News.