When you ride a motorcycle, you accept that it’s inherently more dangerous than traveling in a passenger vehicle. Far too many motorists simply don’t pay enough attention to know that you’re sharing the road with them. That being said, though, there are certain intersections in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that pose greater risks of accident and injury to motorcyclists.
What are the common causes of these intersection accidents? Where are the places that you should drive more defensively?
The Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the DFW Metroplex
Traffic accidents involving motorcyclists stem from a range of factors, including:
- Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Malfunction of a traffic signal
- Failure to accurately judge the distance or rate of speed of an oncoming motorcycle when turning left
- Failure to yield to the legal right of way of a motorcycle operator
- Distracted driving, including using a handheld device behind the wheel
- Failure to use a turn signal
The Highest Number of Motorcycle Accidents Over the Last Five Years: I-635 and Skillman Street
This intersection may be likened to the perfect storm, with a number of factors causing it to be far and away the most dangerous place for bikers in the DFW area. There are a number of layers of overpasses and underpasses tied to the freeway, which has some of the highest traffic congestion in the city. In addition, the prevalence of commercial establishments nearby translates to high volumes of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic most of the time. Officials have logged more than 250 motorcycle crashes here since 2020.
Particularly Dangerous During Drive Time: I-635 and Midway
With numerous entrance and exit ramps tied to a major freeway, this intersection has seen more than 180 motorcycle wrecks over the last five years. In addition, there are schools and highly populated residential areas just off the highway, further adding to traffic.
TX-Loop 12 and TX-358 Intersection: Combined Congestion and High Rates of Speed
The intersection of these two highways serves as a major hub for traffic in the DFW area, with commuters making connections in all directions. The multiple loops and complex exchanges contributed to more than 160 motorcycle accidents in the last five years. Commercial outlets just off the intersection also lead to greater vehicle and pedestrian congestion.
Other connections to the TX-Loop 12 are problematic for bikers, including the exit onto TX-348/Northwest Highway and the interchange at I-30 and TX-Loop 12.
East Loop 820: Multiple Intersections to Be Careful Around
The East Loop 820, a major artery through the DFW area, has long been known for having a high accident rate, due mostly to complex roadway design and significant traffic congestion. Among the intersections that require greater vigilance by motorcyclists are:
- Meadowbrook Drive
- Brentwood Stair Road
- John T. While Road
- Ramey Avenue
- Randol Mill Road
Let Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help You Pursue Full and Fair Compensation
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have successfully represented thousands of personal injury victims in Texas and nationwide over the past four decades, including people hurt in any type of motorcycle accident. We have a comprehensive knowledge of the unique aspects of motorcycle crashes and can help you get the financial recovery you need and deserve.
Contact us by email or call our offices. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
