# How Dangerous Are Motorcycles? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Don’t Ride Without Protective Gear 2. Never Ride Under the Influence 3. Avoid Riding at Excessive Speeds 4. When You Make Left-Hand Turns 5. How to Practice Safe Habits 6. Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![How Dangerous Are Motorcycles?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/How-Dangerous-Are-Motorcycles-300x200.jpeg) Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. For many riders, that’s part of the appeal. But living on the edge and endangering your life are two separate things.  The facts are indisputable: motorcyclists are at greater risk than other travelers. In fact, in comparison to car passengers, you are four times more likely to be injured and [29 times more likely](https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles) to die while on your motorcycle. Fortunately, you can enjoy the thrill of a bike without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk. What should you watch out for? How can you do what you love and stay safe at the same time?  Below, we’ve broken down the bad habits to avoid. Of course, some motorcycle accidents are unavoidable. But with this guide, you can reduce the risk of bodily harm. If you’ve been involved in a [motorcycle accident in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), call our law firm today for assistance at [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000). ## Don’t Ride Without Protective Gear The best riding gear will keep you safe *and* comfortable. On a hot summer afternoon, you may want to throw on shorts, sandals, and a baseball cap before hopping onto your bike. But if you’ve ever seen a critical case of [road rash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/facts-about-road-rash/), you’ll know that’s not the best idea. Of course, you should always wear a helmet. When you have a helmet on, your chances of surviving an accident [increase by 37%](https://www.aarpforemost.com/). The right helmet will be DOT approved, fit well, have great ventilation, and is brightly colored. Once you have a quality helmet, there are a few more investments to make. Here are some of the most important pieces of protective gear for motorcyclists: - Glasses or goggles with UV protection - A leather or kevlar jacket - Long pants - Boots that cover the ankles These layers will protect you from the elements and from painful abrasions if you happen to get in an accident.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Never Ride Under the Influence Houston is not immune to the drunk driving epidemic. Each year, the city sees an average of [5,000 drunk driving-related deaths](https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investigations/article/Out-of-Control-Houston-is-ground-zero-for-13212707.php).  If you get into an accident while driving and riding, your risk of death is rather high. In fact, drunk driving accounts for more than [one-third of fatal motorcycle accidents](https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving). Stay safe and don’t mix drinking and riding. ## Avoid Riding at Excessive Speeds Speed bikes are built for speed. It can be tempting for riders to occasionally push the limit. But doing so, especially at excessive speeds, can increase your risk of injury and death.  Speeding is just as dangerous as drinking and riding. Another one-third of fatal motorcycle accidents occur when drivers travel at high speeds. Together, these two risk factors account for more than half of motorcycle deaths.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## When You Make Left-Hand Turns Cars making left-hand turns are another major cause of motorcycle accidents. As a motorcycle [rider](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/why-all-motorcycle-riders-should-wear-a-helmet-camera/), drivers of cars and trucks might accidentally violate your right-of-way. You have a smaller profile, so you are at greater risk than the average traveler. How can you make yourself more visible? Brightly colored safety gear, headlights, and reflective tape are a few places to start.  Whether you are on a long trip or out for a quick ride, it always pays to stay alert and make yourself visible. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## How to Practice Safe Habits We’ve covered how wearing protective gear, limiting alcohol intake, reducing speed, and enforcing visibility can improve safety. Here are a few more safety practices you should implement: - Take a local safety course - Check the weather before you ride - Obey all traffic rules - Carry a first-aid kit - Stay at a safe distance from other vehicles Following these safety tips will help you reduce the risk of accident, injury, and death. But some motorcycle crashes are unavoidable. If you are hurt in an accident, call a lawyer.  A knowledgeable law professional will help you receive the financial support you need for your injuries. That way, you can get back on the road and resume doing what you love. ## Contact the Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://m.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F&wtsid=rdr_0Hb5dLJVyYEKllKMd/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fattorneybrianwhite%2F%3Fhl%3Den&is_from_rle/) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Motorcycle Accidents Blog Posts: [![Motorcycle Roadway Hazards](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Motorcycle-Roadway-Hazards-300x188.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-roadway-hazards/) [Motorcycle Roadway Hazards](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-roadway-hazards/) Every day, Texas roadways carry residents and visitors across our great state. In fact, Texas has more than 683,000 [![Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents: How Are They Different?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Motorcycle-Accidents-vs.-Car-Accidents-How-Are-They-Different-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-accidents-vs-car-accidents-how-are-they-different/) [Motorcycle Accidents vs. Car Accidents: How Are They Different?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-accidents-vs-car-accidents-how-are-they-different/) Motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents in significant ways. Motorcycle accidents cause more injuries and [![Facts About Road Rash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/facts-about-road-rash/) [Facts About Road Rash](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/facts-about-road-rash/) Road rash is a physical injury that is all too familiar to those who ride motorcycles. The injury is not exclusive to [![Motorcycle Passenger Rights After an Accident in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Motorcycle-Passenger-Rights-After-an-Accident-in-Texas-1-300x240.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-passenger-rights-after-an-accident-in-texas/) [Motorcycle Passenger Rights After an Accident in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/motorcycle-passenger-rights-after-an-accident-in-texas/) A total of 562 motorcyclists died, and 2,422 people were injured in motorcycle accidents in Texas in 2022, according --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-dangerous-are-motorcycles/