Texas Driver Handbook 2017

Chapter 9: Some Special Driving Situations 

Texas Driver Handbook

Never Underestimate the Size and Speed of an Approaching Tractor-trailer

Because of its large size, a tractor-trailer often appears to be traveling at a slower speed than it is. A substantial number of car-

truck collisions take place at intersections because the driver of the car does not realize how close the truck is or how quickly it is 

approaching.

Share the Road with Motorcycles

Individuals who operate a motorcycle have the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the road.

For various reasons drivers may not see the motorcyclist, and approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another 

vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are about 35 times more likely to die in a 

traffic crash than passenger car occupants. A few of the most common reasons are provided below.

1.  Many drivers tend to look for other cars, not for motorcyclists.

2.  The profile of a motorcycle is much smaller than the profile of a car, making an approaching motorcyclist harder to see.

3.  Estimating the distance and speed of a motorcycle is more difficult than it is for a car.

4.  Motorcycle riding requires frequent lane movements to adjust to changing road conditions.

5. Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on a cell phone.

Situations When Crashes Are Most Likely to Occur

Motorcycle crashes are most likely to occur in the high-risk situations described below.

Left Turns

The most common crash between cars and motorcycles is at an intersection when the driver of a car is making a left turn in front of 

a motorcycle. Over 40 percent of all motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. Nearly 66 percent of those crashes were caused by 

the other vehicles turning left in front of the motorcyclist.

A Car’s Blind Spot

Motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their 

smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots 

before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Road conditions that are a minor annoyance to you may pose a major hazard to motorcyclists. 

Motorcyclists may suddenly change speed or adjust their position within a lane in reaction to 

changes in the weather, road, or traffic conditions. This may include potholes, gravel, railroad 

crossings, and wet or slippery surfaces which impair the motorcyclists’ braking and handling 

abilities. Expect and allow room for such actions by the motorcyclist.

Strong Winds

A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider isn’t prepared for it. Wind gusts from large trucks in 

the other lane can also be a hazard.

Large Vehicles

A large vehicle such as a van, bus, or truck can block a motorcycle from a driver’s view and the motorcy-

clist may seem to suddenly appear from nowhere.

Motorcycle Driving Awareness

Look Out for Motorcyclists

Although you may not see any cars, be aware there may be a motorcycle. Be careful at intersections, and 

always take a second look for a motorcycle before turning at an intersection, particularly when making 

left turns.

Signal Your Intentions

Always signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe 

lane position. Signal even if you don’t see cars or motorcycles. Be careful when making left turns across lanes of approaching traf-

fic. Look carefully in all directions for approaching motorcyclists. Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal. Motorcycle signals 

usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before 

you proceed.

Respect a Motorcycle

Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile 

and a motorcycle, the motorcycle is entitled to a full lane and may need the room to maneuver safely. Do not attempt to share the 

lane with a motorcycle.

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Chapter 9: Some Special Driving Situations 

Texas Driver Handbook

Allow Plenty of Space When Following a Motorcycle

The slightest contact can mean a spill or injury for the rider. Allow more following distance, at least four to six 

seconds, when following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. 

Stop a safe distance behind the motorcyclist at intersections, signals, or crossings. A full vehicle length is recom-

mended to help prevent impact with the motorcycle should your vehicle suffer a rear end collision. In dry conditions 

motorcycles can stop more quickly than a car, so being aware and alert at all times can help prevent a collision.

DPS Motorcycle Operator Training Program

The DPS Motorcycle Operator Training and Safety Program was created in 1983 by the legislature to improve rider 

skills and reduce the number and severity of motorcycle crashes in Texas. A portion of each motorcycle license fee  is used to 

support this program. The program develops curriculum and monitors motorcycle training classes throughout the state and pro-

motes motorcycle safety and awareness through campaigns, exhibits, and materials.

Contact Motorcycle Safety at www.dps.texas.gov/msb  or  call  (800)  292-5787.  Residents  in  the  Austin  area  can  call  

[phone] for information about motorcycle safety or to locate the nearest training location.

Share the Road with Light Rail

In recent years, light rail has been established in many major cities in Texas. As you travel these areas, you may notice these trains 

move along the streets just like other vehicles. Light rail is very quiet; and, in fact, quieter than most buses and cars. So whether 

you are riding light rail or just walking or driving near the train or tracks, it’s important to stay alert and observe the safety rules.

Table 26: Safety Rules for Light Rail

Action

Description

Stop

- Don’t walk in front of, between, or behind a train. 

- Trains can’t start or stop quickly regardless of traffic flow. 

- Do not drive, stop, or park your vehicle on the tracks. It’s dangerous and illegal.

Look

- Cross the tracks only at designated crossings and only when it is safe. 

- Look both ways before crossing the tracks. Trains travel in both directions. 

- Obey all warning signs, flashing lights, signals, and crossing gates. A law enforcement officer will issue tickets to violators.

Listen

- Stay alert. Light rail is quieter than a bus or most cars. You may not hear a light rail coming. 

- Listen for train horns and signal bells. 

- Always follow instructions from a law enforcement officer.

Don’t

- Never race a train, run in front of a train, or put anything on or near the tracks. 

- Never try to beat the train to a crossing. Even in a tie, you lose. 

- Never drive around crossing gate arms.

Share the Road with Bicycles

A bicycle is a vehicle. Any person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and responsibilities as a driver of a vehicle.

Rules for Motorists and Bicyclists

1.  Bicyclists are not restricted to the right lane of traffic. One-way, multi-lane streets are one example of this. Another instance 

is when the bicyclist is changing lanes to make a left turn. The bicyclists should follow the same path any other vehicle would 

take traveling in the same direction.

2.  A motorist should merge with bicycle traffic when preparing for a right turn. Avoid turning directly across the path of bicycle 

traffic.

3.  Bicyclists are required to ride as far to the right in the lane as possible only when the lane can be shared safely by a car and a 

bicycle, side-by-side. Even then there are certain conditions which allow a bicyclist to take the full lane.

a.  The bicyclist is overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

b.  The bicyclist is preparing for a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway.

c.  There are unsafe conditions in the road such as fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, 

potholes, or debris.

d.  The lane is of substandard width making it unsafe for a car and a bicycle to safely share the lane side-by-side. When this is 

the case, it is best for the cyclist to take the full lane whether riding single file or two abreast.

Car-Bicycle Crashes 

Be on the lookout for cyclists on the road, especially at intersections. The most common car-bicycle crashes caused by a motorist are:

1.  A motorist turns left in front of oncoming bicycle traffic. Oncoming bicycle traffic is often overlooked or its speed misjudged.

2.  A motorist turns right across the path of the bicycle. The motorist should slow down and merge with the bicycle traffic for a 

safe right turn.

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 Special 

Note:

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