Motorcyclist tragically passes away in Sarasota after colliding with an SUV
The roads can be a dangerous place, especially for those who ride motorcycles. Unfortunately, that danger was realized in Sarasota when a motorcyclist collided with an SUV, ultimately resulting in the death of the rider.
The Details of the Accident
The accident occurred on a recent Monday evening around 7:00 pm. According to the Sarasota Police Department, the motorcyclist was heading south on US 301 when he collided with an SUV that was attempting to make a left turn from US 301 onto DeSoto Road. The impact of the collision caused the motorcyclist to be ejected from the bike and to fall onto the road.
The SUV involved in the accident was being driven by a 38-year-old woman from Bradenton. She remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
The Identity of the Motorcyclist
The motorcyclist who lost his life in this tragedy has been identified as a 20-year-old man from Tampa. His name has not been released to the public as of yet. The police department reported that he was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, but the force of the impact was still too much for him to survive.
The Aftermath of the Accident
After the accident, the area around the scene was closed off for several hours while authorities conducted their investigation. The Sarasota Police Department released a tweet that warned drivers to find alternate routes due to heavy traffic congestion in the area.
The police also stated that they did not believe speed or impairment to be factors in the collision. However, they are still investigating the incident and have asked any witnesses to come forward with any information they may have.
The Dangers of Riding Motorcycles
As mentioned earlier, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, motorcyclists were 29 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured.
The NHTSA also reported that the leading cause of motorcycle accidents is other drivers failing to see the motorcyclist. Additionally, other contributing factors could be failure to yield right-of-way, driving under the influence, or distracted driving.
Staying Safe While Riding Motorcycles
While it may be impossible to eliminate all risks associated with riding motorcycles, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of accidents. First and foremost, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries and death during a crash.
Motorcyclists should also practice defensive driving, meaning they should always assume that other drivers may not see them and plan ahead accordingly. Riders should also position themselves in a way that makes them more visible to other drivers, such as wearing bright or reflective clothing and always using their headlights, even during the day.
Conclusion
The accident that occurred in Sarasota serves as a reminder of the dangers of riding motorcycles. It is essential for both drivers and motorcyclists to stay vigilant on the road and practice safe driving habits. Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of the motorcyclist involved in this tragedy.
