Revving Up for Safety:
The Texas Statewide Motorcycle Safety Coalition (TMSC)
In the vast landscape of Texas, where highways stretch endlessly and motorcyclists find freedom on the open road, safety remains a critical concern. As motorcycle registrations continue to soar in Texas, the need for effective safety measures increases as well. Enter the Texas Statewide Motorcycle Safety Coalition (TMSC)—an organization dedicated to ensuring that every rider’s journey is as safe as it is enjoyable.
A United Front for Motorcycle Safety
The Texas Statewide Motorcycle Safety Coalition is more than just an organization; it’s a movement, a community of passionate individuals and organizations united by a common goal: to reduce motorcycle-related fatalities and injuries across Texas. Established to address the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists, the TMSC brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including motorcyclists, safety experts, law enforcement representatives, state agencies, and advocacy groups.
The coalition serves as a collaborative platform where these diverse voices can come together to share insights, strategize, and implement initiatives that make a tangible impact on rider safety. This collaborative approach ensures that the perspectives and concerns of all involved parties are heard and addressed, leading to more comprehensive and effective safety strategies.
Initiatives That Make a Difference
One of the cornerstones of the TMSC’s efforts includes supporting motorcycle education and awareness, both locally and statewide. By equipping riders and drivers with the skills and information they need, the chances of motorcycle accidents and crashes can be reduced significantly. Some examples of this include organizing rider training programs, as well as the distribution of educational materials on safe riding practices. Advocacy for policies and legislation that prioritize motorcycle safety, such as requiring motorcycle helmets or pushing for stricter penalties for distracted driving, are other important priorities.
Ultimately, the central purpose of the TMSC is to reduce/eliminate rider fatalities and serious injuries. To achieve this purpose, the TMSC uses data-driven techniques to lead or participate in the following specific activities:
- Advise TxDOT and their subgrantees/contractors on ways to raise motorist awareness to improve motorcyclist safety.
- Advise TxDOT and their subgrantees/contractors on ways to raise motorcyclist awareness to improve motorcyclist safety.
- Advise TxDOT of needed motorcycle safety activities and research initiatives.
- Identify, develop, and support motorcycle safety education and outreach initiatives (e.g., best practices, innovative solutions, recommendations to TxDOT).
- Support and enhance information exchange between stakeholders.
- Develop alliances for the purposes of expanding motorcycle safety statewide.
- Hold regular meetings.
- Create sustainability for the TMSC.
- Support the development and conduct of the annual Texas Statewide Motorcycle Safety Forum.
- Support the development and dissemination of the Texas Statewide Motorcycle Safety Action Plan.
Training the Next Generation of Riders
A key focus of the TMSC’s work is ensuring that newly-licensed riders receive the training and support they need to ride safely. The coalition supports and promotes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCourse, a program that offers a comprehensive safety program for new motorcyclists. The use of safety gear is also promoted, with statewide campaigns conducted to educate the public about the life- saving potential of helmets, protective clothing, and other gear.
The mission of the TMSC remains as critical as ever. With the number of motorcyclists on Texas roads continuing to grow, the need for strong safety measures becomes increasingly urgent. The TMSC is committed to staying ahead of the curve, adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the motorcycle community.
So, whether you’re a seasoned rider, a new motorcyclist, or simply someone who cares about road safety, the Texas Statewide Motorcycle Safety Coalition invites you to join its mission. By working together, we can ensure that the thrill of riding a motorcycle is not only about the freedom of the open road, but also about returning home safely after every ride.
We at the Herd Law Firm, PLLC, are motorcycle riders, too! I am an active member of the TMSC, and we support bikers and motorcyclists injured on the road, and have successfully represented such victims seeking the assistance and compensation they so need and deserve.
8/15/2024
