Motorcyclists planning to ride in Texas should be aware of a new law which went into effect at the start of this year.
Malorie’s Law, as the new statute is known, requires that any motorcycle carrying two passengers must be equipped with both foot pegs and hand holds for the passenger riding on the back of the bike.
Riders will no longer be able to simply grab the back of the person driving the motorcycle, but must be on a bike which contains the additional holds.
The first half of Malorie’s law took effect in September of 2013, and required motorcycle training courses to include information about how to drive a motorcycle while carrying a passenger. The second half of the law requiring additional holds took effect as of the start of this year.
Malorie’s Law was named for 19-year-old Malorie Bullock from Sherman, Texas. Malorie was killed five years ago while she was riding on the back of her boyfriends motorcycle. The boyfriend crashed into a ditch and hit a road sign, killing Malorie.
Proponents of the law hope that adding the additional safety features will prevent the loss of other lives. Before the implementation of Malorie’s Law, Texas was one of just three states which did not require footrests for passengers.
Violating the new statute is a Class B misdemeanor, and riders or passengers who do not comply can be fined up to $2,000 or spend up to 180 days in jail.
Riders involved in motorcycle accidents are multiple times more likely to be injured or killed than passengers in an automobile. Additional safety precautions may help keep Texas riders safer, and could cut down the rate of severe injuries and deaths across the state.
If you or your family member has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have the right to recover compensation for your injuries. The personal injury attorneys at Anderson & Cummings have the experience you need on your side to hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions.
Call (817) 920-9000 to discuss your motorcycle accident claim today.