ST. GEORGE – An improper lane change of Riverside Drive resulted in a motorcycle rear-ending a car Friday afternoon.
Around 2 p.m., a motorcycle was northbound in the inside lane on Riverside Drive approaching the intersection of 2450 East. At the same time a Ford Fusion was also northbound in the outside lane, St. George Police officer Andy Mickelson said.
While approaching the intersection, the Ford Fusion moved into the inside lane and began to slow down as the traffic light ahead turned yellow, cutting off the motorcycle and ultimately causing it to collide with the back of the car.
The Ford’s driver never saw the motorcycle when changing lanes and slowing, Mickelson said.
Though motorcycle took a “hard fall,” the rider came away with some road rash and bruising, Mickelson said, adding the rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
“It’s a lucky day for him,” Mickelson said.
The motorcycle had to be towed from the scene while the driver of the Ford Fusion was cited for an improper lane change.
Damage to the Ford appeared to primarily consist of a crumpled bumper that was hanging off the back of the car.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, motorcycles are not as prevalent on the roadway during the colder months as they are when it warms. As they haven’t been out as much, motorists may not be used to keeping an eye out for motorcycles while on the road.
Last year, the Utah DPS posted three billboards along the Interstate 15 corridor though northern Utah with the phase, “Motorcycles are head to see. Look twice,” written on them.
“New billboards posted by DPS aim to remind drivers to keep an eye out for our two-wheeled friends,” according to the Utah DPS website.
Read more: Washington County leads state in motorcycle crashes; tips to stay safe
In 2016 in Utah, 280 people died in traffic accidents and 42 of those killed were involved in motorcycle crashes.
About half of all motorcycle crashes involve a collision with another vehicle and in most cases the driver turns in front of the motorcycle because the driver didn’t see it, or misjudged the bike’s distance and speed, according to the Utah DPS.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
St. George News Reporter Cody Blowers contributed to this story.
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Twitter: @MoriKessler
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2018, all rights reserved.
Sounds like the biker was at very least partially at fault, unless he was actually side-swiped by the car as the car changed lanes. If a lane next to you is moving slowly and your lane is clear expect autos to start pulling into your lane and be ready for it–that means slow down. It’s common sense for an experienced rider. Lack of a helmet also tells me this may have been an idiot. I’m not sure how the cops decided fault here.
Very simple here mr. comments. The Ford moved into a lane occupied by another vehicle. Just cuz the Ford driver didn’t see it doesn’t mean the motorcycle was at fault.
calm yourself, mike. It may be the way this article is written. It reads as though the car was fully in the lane before he started slowing down, which would make it the bikers fault totally. If he went partially into the lane and actually did cut off the biker, causing him to lay the bike over then it’s fully the car drivers fault. I spent a good number of years riding and any rider without a helmet I’ll consider an idiot. I’ve heard the younger folks call them “squids”. Ride with full gear, and ride like you’re invisible to auto drivers–two good places to start.
Mr comments, I’m staying with my original comment. And , I’m totally calm ! I rode motorcycles for over 35 years and I’m very familiar with what happened here. You stay back so your not in the drivers blind spot and they move into your lane anyway and hit the brakes. The Police issued a citation to the driver of the car because he/she was at fault in this case. Just because there is enough room in the lane next to you without sideswiping the vehicle that’s there, does not mean it’s a “safe” lane change.
“I rode motorcycles for over 35 years”
Sounds like you gave it up just like me. I’m not sure if I got smart or maybe just gave it up because becoming more cautious is part of getting old. bikes are just not worth the risk to me now. i had a good friend who wrecked and got seriously hurt, and another acquaintance was killed. If this guy in this article gets back on a bike he may’ve learned an important lesson about gearing up, at least.
Oh wow why am I not surprised..another load of B.S from the Prophet Bob
Trusty little Dumper always faithful to follow up mine with his little troll posts. I’d throw you some dog treats and pat you on the head for your loyal dedication, because you are a good little simpleminded boy, Dump. such a good dumb boy! yes you are! yes you are! here’s a treat for you!
St. George News, you need to pretty much completely reword the paragraph starting with “According to the Utah Department of Public Safety…” Someone must have had a little too much to drink while writing that paragraph ?
Im glad they cited the driver. Hopefully this’ll serve as a reminder to all involved that they need to pay attention while driving.