Texas Motorcyclists Die After Weekend Accidents

Two recent Texas Motorcycle Accidents have sadly claimed the lives of two men in their 50’s.

Frank Lynn Merton, 53, died at University Medical Center after he lost control of his motorcycle on a turn on the Texas Tech Parkway in North Lubbock.  His motorcycle left the road, coming to rest in the parkway’s grass median.  Merton was not wearing a helmet. Two other motorcyclists accompanying Merton were not involved in the accident but stopped to assist him.

52-year-old Clarence Noble of Rhome, Texas died last week in a motorcycle accident on FM455 near FM1173 in far northwest Denton County.  He lost control of the motorcycle, went into a ditch and died at the scene. The cause of death is listed as trauma to the head and brain.

Studie have shown a drastic decline in motorcycle deaths.  In 2008, more than 5,000 people – the most ever – died in motorcycle crashes.  2009 shows a sharp decline in this number, some say due to the recession because most motorcycle riding is recreational.  Other possible reasons cited are colder, wetter weather, fewer beginners, and government-sponsored motorcycle safety programs.  Many in Texas still believe that the Texas Motorcycle Helmet Law Repeal has led to a rise in deadly motorcycle accidents in Texas.

One of the most common reasons for motorcycle deaths remains that the drivers of cars or trucks do not pay attention and do not see motorcycle riders.  Please look out for your Texas motorcyclists and keep everyone on our Texas roads safe!