FORT WORTH, Texas — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calls on drivers and riders to commit to sharing the road through safe driving and riding practices, recognizing that Motorcyclists’ Safety Is Everyone’s Safety. Patterson Law Group, a Fort Worth-based personal injury law firm, is proud to lend its voice to that call this May as part of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Earlier this week, Travis Patterson, Managing Partner of Patterson Law Group, spoke to members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association at their local North Texas chapter meeting held at Spring Creek BBQ in Arlington, Texas. Patterson addressed the group on defensive riding strategies, the importance of helmet use, and how to protect themselves financially through proper insurance coverage in the event of a crash caused by an at-fault driver.
The presentation is part of a broader community education initiative the firm has championed for years. Patterson Law Group attorneys regularly speak to high school students, school bus drivers, fleet managers, motorcycle clubs, corporate groups, and any organization interested in promoting road safety throughout the DFW Metroplex and beyond.
“We make ourselves available to any group that wants to learn more about staying safe on today’s roads. Whether it’s high school students who need an effective reminder about the dangers of distracted driving, fleet managers overseeing drivers on our roads, school bus drivers responsible for children’s lives every single day, or experienced motorcycle riders — the conversation around road safety is one we’re always willing to have.”
— Travis Patterson, Managing Partner, Patterson Law Group
The Numbers Are Stark
According to the latest NHTSA data from 2024, 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities that year. The fatality rate for motorcyclists was 27 times higher than that of passenger car occupants. Thirty-seven percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 22% of passenger car drivers. Of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes, 40% were alcohol-impaired.
“As a personal injury attorney, I see firsthand the devastating consequences when motorcyclists are struck by inattentive or reckless drivers. These are real people — members of our community — whose lives are changed in an instant. Every driver needs to understand that a single moment of distraction can kill a motorcyclist. And every rider needs to understand their insurance coverage — especially uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage — before they ever need it.”
— Travis Patterson
Motorcycle Safety Tips That Save Lives
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Ride sober and alert.
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Observe all traffic laws and obey the speed limit.
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Ride defensively and avoid distractions.
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Wear protective clothing and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets.
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Carry adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
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Complete hands-on motorcycle rider education — it may also lower your insurance premium.
For motorcyclists, hands-on rider education provides dynamic riding skills and builds confidence. It is essential training that may also provide insurance discounts. Riders can find a course through their state motor vehicle administration. NHTSA also urges all riders to use DOT-compliant helmets — learn how to identify one at NHTSA.gov/Motorcycles.
PLG Offers Free Road Safety Presentations
Patterson Law Group attorneys are available to speak at no charge to schools, fleet companies, motorcycle groups, and any organization interested in road safety education. To schedule a presentation, contact the firm at 817.784.2000 or travis@pattersonpersonalinjury.com.
About Patterson Law Group
Patterson Law Group is a personal injury law firm headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, with additional offices in Arlington and San Antonio. The firm represents injured Texans in automobile accidents, motorcycle crashes, and trucking collisions. Its attorneys are frequent public speakers on road safety across Texas. Learn more about our firm.