Another rider down...in Utah!

[cactusjack]

Another one in Utah. What, no mention of a helmet?

Motorcyclist critical after being dragged 40 feet

Updated: 05/20/2009 09:18:02 PM MDT

A motorcyclist in his 50s collided with a pickup in Midvale on Wednesday night and was dragged underneath the truck for about 40 feet, police said.

The motorcyclist suffered critical injuries, including head trauma, said Midvale police Sgt. Ken Jarvis.

The crash occurred just after 8 p.m. at the intersection of 175 West and 7720 South.

Jarvis said the truck had been traveling westbound. The 82-year-old driver was waiting for pedestrians to cross the street before making a left turn. When he began his turn he did not see the motorcyclist, Jarvis said.

The motorcyclist tried to lay his bike down to avoid the collision but got stuck under the pickup and was dragged about 40 feet. He was conscious when police arrived and taken by ambulance to Intermountain Medical Center with critical injuries, Jarvis said.

Police are still investigating the crash.

[dantama]

Perhaps it should say that the rider decided to risk a certain collision with the pavement, in an effort to avoid a possible collision with the truck. In hindsight it was a bad choice, as he slid under the truck, and at a higher speed than if he had braked.

I'm glad that the one collision with a car I had, when I was 25, I left a skid mark all the way into the door of the car that was turning in front of me. Then for good measure, I totalled the car from the impact.

[cactusjack]

Same collision - different newspaper:


Motorcyclist is hit, dragged by truck
Published: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 11:40 p.m. MDT

A Midvale motorcyclist was dragged behind a small pickup truck after a collision Wednesday night.

Midvale Police Sgt. Ken Jarvis said a motorcyclist heading east on 7720 South was struck by a small pickup truck attempting to turn south around 8 p.m.

The 82-year-old driver of the truck was waiting for a group of pedestrians to cross the street then attempted to turn, Jarvis said. The motorcyclist "went to lay the bike down before impact," but was hit by the truck and dragged under the truck for 54 feet, he said.

The motorcyclist, in his 50s, was taken to Intermountain Medical Center in serious condition, Jarvis said. The man was conscious, but had some broken bones and head trauma. The motorcycle rider was wearing a helmet and padded gear, police said.

The driver of the truck was not injured.

[peterdarby]

It is unfortunate that people think skidding on chrome is a faster stop than skidding on rubber. The other lesson is that he shouldn't have assumed that with people in the crosswalk that the vehicle would see him and have reduced his speed.

[glwilson]

I just heard a guy last night telling his story about his recent wreak where he said; "then I laid it down". He walked away with minor injuries; bike was completely totaled. Truth to the story (as told by another witness): He completely lost control going too fast on a curve and the bike slid out from under him.

I chose not to say anything at the time.

Personally, I didn't know it isn't the best option before I heard it discussed here on KawaNOW. Hope I never have the chance to find out.

Good info learned here by me.

[paul]

I "chose" to lay mine down just as soon as I heard the crash bars hit the pavement! Just me ranting, but people who don't see motorcycles should have to wear full leathers and helmet, gauntlets and boots for 5 days straight without reprieve. Day and Night, every minute, every second.

[pagemastr]

cj: Saw the report on KSL's website and here is a picture they have of the riders helmet after being dragged.

He has to be glad he was wearing it!

[jamiep24]

Hope he's OK. I just assume every car or truck out there is out to get me and will pull out in front of me. I just expect it. One reason I only had one fender bender in my life almost 30 years ago. Everyone needs to be a defensive driver. Jamie