We noted for readers in a previous blog post (May 31) some of the stark statistics related to motorcycle accidents in Ohio. Between 2008 and 2010, for example, more than 11,000 motorcyclists were injured on state roads, which seems a flatly remarkable number. Moreover, well more than 500 of those riders died as a result of their crashes.
Sadly, such accidents continue, and at a high rate, with the Ohio Highway Patrol urging all motorcyclists and their passengers to always wear helmets and have their bikes in optimal operating condition.
A recent string of deadly crashes underscores the importance of that message, with a number of bike-related fatalities occurring in various parts of the state.
In Perry County, for example, a man died last Sunday, when he lost control of his motorcycle near Jackson Township and hit an embankment. He was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Authorities state that he was not wearing a helmet when he crashed.
Two other riders died earlier this month in accidents in Fairfield County and Butler County, respectively. Neither of those men were wearing helmets, either.
A Lancaster resident was also killed several weeks ago in a crash on Ohio 595 in Hocking County. Unlike the other victims, he was wearing a helmet and other protective gear.
Ohio traffic officials, police officers and Highway Patrol troopers continuously stress the need for motorists to be on the lookout for motorcyclists and for the latter to exercise all due caution when out on the road. They note that summer months are an especially deadly time for motorcycle riders.
Related Resource: Lancaster Eagle Gazette, “Father of four killed in motorcycle crash” July 12, 2011