LEEDS – A single-vehicle motorcycle accident near Leeds Monday afternoon sent the driver rolling off of Interstate 15, injuring the rider and damaging the motorcycle.
At about 12:50 p.m. Utah Highway Patrol was dispatched to the accident on I-15 near mile marker 28, Utah Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Murphy said.
A man from the state of Washington was southbound with six or seven other motorcyclists when he veered off of the freeway.
“The driver was thrown and rolled many times,” Murphy said.
The crash appeared to have been triggered by a mechanical problem. The motorcycle started to wobble and then went off the freeway.
“They call it a tire wobble,” Murphy said. “It starts shaking the handlebars and either you regain control or you don’t. And he didn’t.”
The man was wearing a helmet and full motorcycle gear and was obviously an experienced driver, Murphy said.
The driver of the motorcycle was conscious and breathing at the scene of the crash. He had an injured left shoulder, but his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening, Murphy said. The man was transported to Dixie Regional Medical Center.
Witnesses told Murphy the motorcyclist was traveling 75-80 mph, so excessive speed was not a factor.
Murphy encourages motorists to avoid tailgating and maintain a safe distance between vehicles, especially motorcycles.
“Give each other space. Following-distance is a huge thing,” he said. The correct following distance depends on speed – people think it’s two seconds, he said, but that is only true when traveling 55 mph.
“You should allow enough space so that another vehicle can safely move between you and the vehicle in front of you,” Murphy said.
It’s also important for drivers to know that if they witness an injury accident, they are required by law to stop and render assistance and give a statement to police.
“Don’t be afraid of getting involved,” he said. “If you actually witness it – we need that person. The guy that’s injured, he’s not going to be able to remember what happened.”
“If you do witness an accident, please stop and give us a statement,” Murphy said.
Utah Highway Patrol and Leeds Fire and Rescue responded to the accident.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.
Well I’m sure when The Amazing Bob gets here we will get a different story of what really happened. Bob has this amazing gift of knowing what really happens at any time. he doesn’t even have be there and he knows exactly what took place and how it happened. .stay tuned folks this guy is absolutely amazing.
i’m sure mr. “….” sends his “condolences” to the injured motorcyclist. LOL
My condolences to your family for having you
“It’s also important for drivers to know that if they witness an injury accident, they are required by law to stop and render assistance and give a statement to police.”
Is this really a law? Please cite the law or General Statute that mandates I stop for the idiot reckless driver (not this motorcyclist in this case).
Ever since the Good Samaritan laws came under fire and started losing in courts, there are a lot of people no longer willing to risk their financial welfare to help someone in a wreck. Those that do offer assistance can now be SUED for the injuries of the car wreck, and many have WON their lawsuits.
Don’t get me wrong- I would report the accident, and answer any questions if an officer needed a statement, and I would probably be swayed to stop and help if there were children involved.
I would not, however, stop to assist the punk that was weaving through traffic then rolled his car, or the crackhead-looking guy that decided to drive into the ditch.
Make no mistake- YOU CAN BE SUED, AND THEY CAN WIN.