As we reported in a recent blog post, data continues to support the stance that wearing a motorcycle helmet can save a rider’s life in the event of a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, it’s never true 100 percent of the time.
A 25-year-old motorcyclist from Maryville was killed last week when his bike struck a tractor-trailer that was attempting to make a U-Turn. The accident happened on Hall Road close to Associates Boulevard in Alcoa.
A man driving a 2007 Kenworth truck for TLD Logistics Services in Knoxville was apparently trying to make a left U-turn. The motorcyclist, who was riding a 2006 Kowasaki motorcycle, apparently approached the semi in the northbound left-hand lane. He was unable to stop and slid directly into the side of the tractor trailer.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders, according to a police sergeant. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Alcoa Fire Department were among the responders. The 30-year-old truck driver, who is from Sparta, was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was not injured.
It’s not clear if charges are pending. The investigation was continuing after the accident.
Sadly, the crash shows that even with proper protective gear, such as helmets, motorcyclists are still vulnerable to injuries in accidents, particularly ones involving big vehicles. That makes it all the more important for bikers and other drivers to keep a proper lookout to avoid such accidents in the first place.
Source: The Daily Times, “Motorcyclist dies in collision with tractor trailer,” June 15, 2012