Texas Accident & Injury News
Riding as a passenger on a motorcycle? Make sure you wear the proper gear.
A Passenger on a Motorcycle Dies in a Tragic Hit-and-Run Accident on the West Side
According to a KSAT News report, a woman is dead after a vehicle hit her motorcycle and drove away last Saturday.
Police reported the incident occurred at around 2 a.m. on Saturday, April 20th, on U.S. Highway 90 near General McMullen Drive. A gray motorcycle operated by a man and carrying a woman passenger was traveling westbound on Highway 90. A vehicle traveling in the same direction sideswiped the motorcycle and then drove away without rendering aid. The man and the woman were both thrown from the motorcycle due to the impact. The woman was declared dead at the scene, and the man was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police reported the woman was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. If police find the vehicle, the driver will be charged with failing to stop and render aid in a deadly incident.
Did You Know?
Motorcycle fatalities increased by 8% from 2021 to 2022 in Texas.
Motorcycle Passenger Safety and Laws in Texas: A Review.
The beautiful hill country of San Antonio is a perfect place to take someone for a scenic motorcycle ride… as long as you do so safely.
Riding with a passenger comes with unique challenges and laws that you and your rider need to be aware of to enjoy a safe ride. Let’s review safety tips and legal requirements in Texas for riding a motorcycle with a passenger.
Motorcycle Passenger Laws in Texas
Riding a motorcycle with a passenger on public roads is legal as long as you meet the following requirements:
- Appropriate Helmet — Passengers under 21 years old are required to wear a TxDOT-certified helmet of an appropriate size (children cannot wear adult helmets).
- Age Threshold — Children must be at least 5 years old to ride as a passenger. Children may not sit in front of the driver, but must secured in a seat behind or to the side of the driver.
- Safety Features — Motorcycles must have handholds and a footrest, in addition to a permanent passenger seat to the back or side of the motorcycle.
Riding With a Passenger Safety Tips
Having additional weight on the back of your bike will affect your ride. Consider the following safety tips:
- Give extra time to brake.
- Allow more time (and space) for passing.
- Ease into acceleration and stops. Sudden stops and acceleration can cause your passenger to slide forward.
- Ease up on the rear brake. More weight will affect your stopping power.
- You will likely be more affected by side wind than when you’re riding alone.
- Always wear a helmet and ensure your passenger does the same.
- Be aware that your passenger may slide forward, causing their helmet to “bump” yours. It can be jarring when unexpected.
Even though your passenger doesn’t have to wear a helmet if they’re older than 21, it’s still important that they do so. CDC research has shown that the chance of severe injury and death is significantly reduced by helmet use.
Injured as a Passenger on a Motorcycle? Call Carabin Shaw.
If you were injured as a passenger in a motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to significant compensation. We can help you find out for free.
Carabin Shaw has represented those injured on motorcycles in San Antonio for over 30 years. We’re a trusted name in San Antonio because we put our clients first. Call the firm that cares at 800-862-1260, or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our motorcycle injury attorneys. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.