After more than 40 years of representing motorcycle accident victims, David K. Wilson doesn’t just see the legal side of these tragedies; he also sees firsthand the impact they have on individuals, their families, and the overall community. He’s met with families who lost loved ones, visited riders in the hospital, and listened to stories of lives interrupted by one split second of distraction or reckless driving. 

To him, they aren’t just clients. They’re neighbors, friends, and fellow members of the North Texas Bonham community. David K. Wilson has practiced in and around Grayson County long enough to know the roads and the risks motorcyclists face every day. From SH 121’s heavy truck traffic to the blind curves on FM 898, he’s seen the dangers, and more importantly, he’s committed to doing something about them. 

At David K. Wilson & Associates, our mission is to keep our community safer and ensure that, in the event of tragedy, you know where to turn for support, guidance, and a legal team that genuinely cares. 

Staying Safe on Two Wheels in Bonham 

Motorcyclists already face enough hazards simply because they are more exposed than any other vehicle on the road. In Bonham and the surrounding areas, specific routes, such as State Highway 121, FM 87, and US 82, have proven to be particularly hazardous due to a combination of high-speed traffic, visibility issues, intersections, and rural conditions. 

So how do you stay safe? It begins by understanding the risks and adjusting your riding habits. 

Below are the top 5 motorcycle safety tips every motorcyclist in Bonham should know. These tips come not just from general safety data, but from decades of working with riders who wish they’d had one more second, worn the right gear, or avoided the wrong road at the wrong time. 

1. Always Wear High-Visibility and Protective Gear 

One of the biggest dangers motorcyclists face is not being seen. Unlike cars, motorcycles are small, and in poor lighting, rainy weather, or heavy traffic, they can vanish from a driver’s view in seconds. High-visibility gear, including jackets with reflective strips, bright-colored helmets, and even LED lights, can dramatically reduce this risk. 

Why It Matters in Bonham: On roads like SH 121 (Sam Rayburn Dr.), where high-speed traffic and large trucks dominate, visibility is everything. Intersections such as SH 121 and FM 87 are hazardous, where distracted or hurried drivers may not see you before making a turn. 

Safety Reminder: High-visibility gear isn't just for nighttime. Bright colors during daylight hours also increase your visibility and safety on busy roadways. 

2. Stay Out of Blind Spots and Avoid Lane Splitting 

Lane splitting might be tempting when traffic slows down, and while it is not explicitly illegal in Texas, it’s almost always dangerous. Blind spots, especially near large trucks, are where many fatal crashes occur. 

Why It Matters in Bonham: On US Highway 82, truck traffic is frequent, and the speeds are high. A rider slipping into a blind spot could disappear from view instantly, especially during lane changes or in windy conditions that can cause a bike to lose its balance. 

Safety Tip: Avoid riding directly beside vehicles for long periods. If you must pass, do so quickly and safely. Never assume a driver sees you. 

3. Adjust Speed for Conditions and Terrain 

Speeding isn’t the only issue at hand. Riding too fast for the conditions outside or on the road you are on is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. From slick roads to narrow curves, Bonham’s routes require careful speed management. 

Why It Matters in Bonham: On FM 898 (E. Sam Rayburn Dr.), the rural terrain features sharp curves, narrow lanes, and a lack of shoulders. Oftentimes, wildlife, gravel, or even farm equipment can appear suddenly and result in serious crashes. 

Safety Tip: Ride more conservatively on unfamiliar or rural roads. At night or in bad weather, slow down significantly to give yourself time to react. 

4. Watch Intersections Carefully 

Intersections are deadly for motorcyclists. One of the most common types of crashes occurs when a vehicle turns left in front of a motorcycle that it didn’t see, or misjudges the speed. 

Why It Matters in Bonham: Busy intersections along FM 271 (Center St./Red River St.) and FM 87 often include stoplights, local traffic, and turning vehicles. Distracted drivers may not take the time to look for motorcycles. 

Safety Tip: Slow down when approaching intersections. Keep your hands on the brakes and your eyes on the surrounding vehicles, especially those in the turn lane. 

5. Avoid Riding at Night on Rural Roads 

Nighttime riding in rural areas is hazardous due to visibility issues, road hazards, and limited access to emergency care. 

Why It Matters in Bonham: Roads like FM 898 and rural stretches of FM 87 have limited lighting, tight curves, and unpredictable hazards. It’s easy to hit a patch of gravel, an animal, or debris in the road and lose control. 

Safety Tip: If possible, avoid rural rides after dark. If you must ride at night, keep your lights in top condition, reduce your speed, and wear high-visibility gear. 

Our Commitment to Riders and Their Families 

At David K. Wilson & Associates, motorcycle accident representation isn’t just another practice area to us, but it’s a priority grounded in deep empathy for riders and their families. We understand that motorcyclists often face bias in the legal system and that insurance companies frequently try to blame the rider regardless of the facts. 

We make it our mission to: 

• Fight against unfair stereotypes that hurt your claim. 
• Investigate thoroughly to uncover every factor in your crash, from road design to distracted driving. 
• Hold negligent drivers, companies, and even municipalities accountable for creating or allowing dangerous conditions or taking reckless actions. 
• Support grieving families who have lost a loved one due to someone else's negligence. 

Whether you're dealing with a catastrophic injury or mourning the loss of someone close after a motorcycle accident, our firm is here to provide legal strength and personal compassion when you need it most. 

You’re Not Alone on the Road to Recovery 

Having a passion shouldn’t come at the cost of your safety or your future. From State Highway 121’s congested intersections to the winding rural roads of FM 898, the risks are real. But with the proper precautions, many tragedies can be prevented. 

Still, even the most experienced riders can find themselves in a crash due to another driver’s negligence, poor road conditions, or an unavoidable situation. And when that happens, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. 

Whether you’re suffering from serious injuries or mourning the loss of a loved one in a motorcycle crash, you have rights: 

• The right to seek full compensation for your losses. 
• The right to hold negligent drivers or third parties accountable. 
• The right to be treated with respect, not as a stereotype or statistic. 

At David K. Wilson & Associates, we know what you're going through, and we’ve built our firm around helping people like you find clarity, justice, and a path forward. We’ve spent more than 40 years fighting for victims across Grayson County and North Texas, and we bring that same commitment to every rider who walks through our doors. 

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out today for a free, compassionate consultation. We’re here to listen, fight, and help.