A 54-year-old New York man passed away at the Albany Medical center late last week after a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, motorcycle riders often sustain serious injuries when involved in collisions with cars or trucks. Without the protection of a passenger cabin motorcyclists have a significant risk of injury if another driver fails to notice them or is driving negligently.
This fatal accident remains under investigation and no charges have yet been filed, but a representative for the Sheriff’s office has indicated that it is possible that charges may be forthcoming. The driver was not issued a traffic citation at the scene of the accident.
According to local law enforcement authorities, the 54-year-old motorcycle driver from Fort Edwards was headed east on a 198 Yamaha motorcycle just before six in the evening. At the same time a 55-year-old Hudson Falls man was driving his 1997 Saturn wagon in the opposite direction. The collision occurred as the car driver was attempting to make a left turn into a grocery store parking lot.
Witnesses at the scene at the time of the crash say that the motorcycle rider was ejected from his bike by the force of the collision. The motorcyclist was taken to the Albany Medical Center by helicopter in an attempt to save his life. The driver of the car received only minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on New York roads as any other licensed driver. It is important that all drivers take the necessary steps to ensure that they are aware of the presence of motorcycles and drive with all due care.
Source: The Post Star “Motorcyclist succumbs to injuries from crash on Quaker Road” Aug. 19, 2011
