A learning opportunity

[cactusjack]

I just saw this in the local new online:

Motorcyclist critically injured in collision on 60

19 comments by Jessica Andrews - Jul. 20, 2009 11:15 AM
The Arizona Republic

U.S. 60 is back open after a serious accident involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck near the McClintock exit Monday morning. The motorcyclist was in critical condition after being hit by the pickup on the U.S. 60 near the McClintock exit, Department of Public Safety spokesman Robert Bailey said.

A Ford Explorer Sport Trac was westbound around 8:15 a.m. when it swerved to avoid slowing traffic, Bailey said.

The truck clipped a motorcycle in the far left lane, causing the motorcycle operator to hit the ground. Bailey said the motorcyclist was wearing protective gear, including a helmet, but was transported to the hospital with very serious injuries.

The truck rolled and slid on its driver's side across four lanes of traffic, ending up in the far right lane. The truck driver also was transported to the hospital, but is expected to be OK, Bailey said.

There were no other major injuries.

All westbound traffic was being diverted onto Loop 101 North and South. It is expected to be closed for at least another hour, Bailey said.

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I see this all the time. Traffic is slowing down and instead of braking, some self-absorbed jerk behind the wheel makes a hasty move without checking who may already be in the space he's trying to get into.

At least the rider was wearing gear, which may have made the difference between serious injuries and another rider death.