Motorcyclist Dead After Major Crash on I-10 Katy Freeway
A motorcyclist is dead after being hit by a tractor-trailer on the I-10 Katy Freeway in Houston, TX. The crash occurred on Friday, March 4, around 7:15 a.m.
Details About the Katy Freeway Crash
On March 4 at around 7:15 a.m., a 31-year-old man was driving his Triumph motorcycle in the 21700 block of the Katy Freeway. According to police, the motorcycle and a white Ford Escape merged into the same lane of traffic. The motorcycle then hit the back of the Ford Escape, causing him to fall off his motorcycle.
Once the motorcyclist hit the ground, a tractor-trailer truck struck the motorcyclist and drove off.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. Investigators questioned the driver of the white Ford Escape and found that the driver was not impaired at the time of the crash.
They released the driver shortly after.
All the lanes of I-10 eastbound at Mason were closed for four hours after the wreck occurred. There is an ongoing investigation into this crash. Police ask that if anyone has information on the tractor-trailer or its driver, that they contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4072.
The Main Causes of Motorcycle Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,014 motorcyclists died in 2019, making motorcyclists 29 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of a passenger vehicle.
Unfortunately, these numbers have seen a significant increase in the past few years. Further steps need to be taken to ensure that motorcyclists and other vehicles can safely share the road.
The first step to doing so is understanding the main causes of motorcycle crashes:
Unsafe lane changes — Drivers should always use their signal and check for blind spots before changing lanes.
Speeding — Speeding can reduce your reaction time to changes in traffic.
Driving under the influence — Drugs and alcohol can inhibit a driver’s judgment and decision-making skills.
Lane splitting — Driving between two lanes of traffic can lead to dangerous accidents.
Sudden stops — Sudden stops can lead to severe rear-end accidents if a vehicle is following too closely.
Dangerous road hazards — Potholes, debris, road work signs, and uneven pavement can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their vehicle.
Motorcycle defects — A defective motorcycle part can cause the vehicle to malfunction and lead to a serious crash.
Distracted driving — Distracted driving by either a motorcyclist or other driver can cause a motorist to miss sudden changes in the road or traffic.
Although these are the main causes of motorcycle accidents, they all can be prevented with better awareness and driver caution.
Reach out to your Edinburg car accident attorney at the Law Office of Bobby Garcia today to get started on your car accident claim.
Source: KTRK, Click2Houston