Texas Accident & Injury News
Riding in a group can be safer for beginners, but it must be done properly.
3 Motorcyclists Dead, Passenger Injured After Suspected Drunk Driver Causes Head-on Collision
According to a KSAT News report, a 25-year-old man was arrested for intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault after a head-on collision in Kerr County.
Police reported the accident happened at around 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 3rd, on State Highway 27 at Bluff Creek in Kerr County. Jeremy Wasson, 25, was driving a Toyota SUV traveling eastbound on State Highway 27 when he crossed into the westbound lanes for unknown reasons. He collided head-on with three motorcycles. As a result, the drivers of the motorcycles, Courtney Cortez, 25, Cody Cortez, 34, and Daniel Cortez Jr., 57, were pronounced dead at the scene, and a passenger was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital. Wasson was taken to a Kerrville hospital and later arrested and charged with three counts of intoxication manslaughter and one count of intoxication assault. He was booked in Kerr County Jail, and his bond was set at $350,000. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
In Texas, Intoxication Manslaughter is a second-degree felony punishable by a minimum of 2 years in prison.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Group Riding in Texas
Group riding is popular among motorcyclists across Texas. It provides numerous benefits to each rider— it becomes easier for other motorists to see you, the leader can share critical information to avoid road hazards, and nobody will be alone in case of an accident.
But it can also be dangerous, especially if safety is not your top priority.
Dangers of Group Riding
Despite its benefits, group riding can cause its own issues. Some challenges caused by large groups of motorcycles riding together include:
- General Chaos: Too many riders can cause general chaos, putting motorcyclists and other road users at risk.
- Varied Skill Levels: You’re unlikely to all be at the same skill level. Some of you may prefer country roads to highways or vice versa. Less experienced riders may not understand proper etiquette and struggle to keep up with the group.
- Increased Complexity: Groups must maintain formation, understand signals, and coordinate with one another, adding a layer of complexity not present with solo riding.
However, if you plan ahead and prepare accordingly, group riding can be a safer, more memorable experience that builds community. So, let’s take a look at 3 tips to keep yourself safe while group riding in Texas.
Tip #1 — Plan Ahead
Before you leave, plan the route you will be taking. The plan should include meeting locations, stopping points, and the end destination, so riders know where to go if they get separated.
Everyone should prepare their bike beforehand, leaving with a full tank and ensuring that all of their bike’s components are in working order. Everyone should have a fully charged cell phone, a snack, and a battery pack just in case.
Tip #2 — Organize Your Group
For safety reasons, groups should be no larger than 7 motorcycles, and should include:
- A Group Lead and Sweep: The most experienced riders in your group should be assigned to lead or sweep. The lead is the rider out front, in charge of giving signals and directions. The sweep rides in the back and ensures the group stays together.
- Emergency Supply Carrier: One person in the group should carry extra emergency supplies, such as:
- Flashlight/Headlamp,
- Road Flares,
- Extra Water,
- Compact Tire Pump and Pressure Gauge.
Tip #3 — Ride in Proper Formation
You should never ride side-by-side. The safest formation is a staggered formation, which the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) describes as:
“The leader rides in the left third of the lane, while the next rider stays at least one second behind in the right third of the lane; the rest of the group follows the same pattern.”
However, the MSF recommends a single-file formation in certain instances:
“A single-file formation with a minimum 2-second following distance is preferred on a curvy road, under conditions of poor visibility or poor road surfaces, entering/leaving highways, or other situations where an increased space cushion or maneuvering room is needed.”
You can do everything right and still be injured by a careless motorist. When that happens, call Shaw!
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Texas? Call Shaw!
Motorcyclists are often blamed for an accident, even if it wasn’t their fault.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Medical Bills,
- TBI,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule a case evaluation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees or obligations attached, just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.