Chico Man Killed in Oroville Motorcycle Accident
On Sunday, February 11, 2018, a man from Chico lost his life after sustaining catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle collision that occurred in Oroville, California.
I’d like to express my sincere sympathy to the man’s close friends and members of his family during this difficult time.
Collision Information
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers have reported that the accident occurred just prior to 6:30 p.m. on Highway 70 north of the exit for Garden Drive. Witnesses of the accident report that two men had been driving motorcycles erratically at speeds reaching up to 90 miles per hour while heading north on Highway 70.
Reportedly, while the men were speeding down the highway, one of them side-swiped the rear-end of a pick-up truck driving in the fast lane. Witnesses said it seemed as if the motorcyclist was attempting to pass the pick-up truck by using the small lane adjacent to the center divider but instead struck the concrete barrier and was consequently thrown off of his motorcycle.
Investigating officials reported that the man subsequently slid across multiple freeway lanes before being hit by another vehicle that did not have the time to stop in order to avoid the collision.
Investigation and Response
Officials who responded to the accident have reported that alcohol does appear to have been a factor in this collision. Firefighters at the scene of the collision told reporters that the motorcyclists had been returning from watching a “Sharks” game.
Officials have also indicated that the deceased had been wearing a helmet and safety gear, but the safety gear was not enough to protect him from the severity of the collision with the second vehicle. No other individuals involved in this accident were reported to have received injuries. The name of the deceased has not yet been released pending the notification of the man’s next-of-kin.
Motorcycle Accidents Involving DUI
As evidenced by this collision, drinking and driving a motorcycle can be a deadly decision. Because of a variety of factors, DUI motorcycle driving has the potential to be even more dangerous than DUI driving with normal passenger vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has gathered data from accidents around the country and found that around 30 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents involved drivers with dangerous and illegal blood alcohol content. Additionally, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that DUI motorcycle accidents and fatalities have been increasing per vehicle mile traveled in recent years.
If you plan on consuming alcohol or any intoxicant, make sure that you don’t put your life and the lives of others at risk. Using a taxi, ride-sharing app, or having a designated sober driver can mean the difference between life and death.
More Content Written by Ed Smith, Oroville Personal Injury Lawyer ~
Personal Injury Lawyers in Oroville
I’m Ed Smith, an Oroville personal injury lawyer. When a negligent driver causes an auto accident, those who have been injured are able to seek compensation for their damages. If this has happened to you or someone you care about, contact me at (530) 392-9400, AutoAccident.com, or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
For over 35 years, my firm has helped residents of Oroville obtain the money they deserve in claims of personal injury, wrongful death, or both.
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photo: “kirkfield motorcycle crash” by Jason Bain under CCA2G
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