We are devastated. Yesterday we lost 2 good friends. Not far from here on the Glenn Hwy, south of Palmer, a northbound pickup truck had stopped to make a left turn and was rear ended by a minivan. The impact shoved the truck out into the oncoming lane of traffic, into the path of 4 motorcycles coming southbound. The riders were unable to avoid the pickup and all four struck the truck, killing three of them. Two of the riders were friends of ours from church. They were avid Harley riders and loved riding their motorcycles. Jim was a professional pilot and was going to take me flying with him in his personal plane sometime. We are in shock and saddened by this loss. Just terrible.
Motorcycle friends, it's getting crazy out there, traffic-wise. Yesterday was a bad day; there were two motorcycle wrecks that we know of, one of them the fatality, someone hit a bicyclist just down the hill from where we live, and there were two other major accidents--all during the afternoon. Traffic was horrible all day, and there were a jillion bikes out as the weather was amazing. We need to be ever vigilant, being aware always of our riding environment. While we can't prevent everything from happening, we can do our best to minimize the unfortunate and unplanned. While motorcycling is inherently dangerous, we can do things to minimize the danger somewhat. It hurts to lose friends needlessly. There are those of you on this board I consider my friends, even though we've never met. Somehow, via this board, I feel I know you well, and I'd hate to lose any of you. Be safe and never let your attention wander.
Sorry, I just had to vent a bit. I put this here because, while not VStrom-related, it has to do with motorcycling, and that is what we all do. Hope I'm not out of line by posting this here instead of the Off Topic forum.
One would suspect the truck driver had cranked the front wheels to the left while stopped in anticipation of turning left when safe to do so. I see that often.
If anyone here wants to honor those lost, this is how you can do it. When you're in your non-bike vehicle, awaiting a left turn, keep your wheels pointed straight, and think of them. I know this is probably regular practice for most here, but it won't be for someone who may just tidy up their habits as a consequence. This is especially important on those roads without left-turn bays.
Sorry to hear of your loss, condolences to the families. Some things are just beyond our control. Suspect the danger is increased even further for folks forced into a Winter layoff.
I am sorry for your loss, hate hearing news like this...
Here in my home town, our accident rate has gone way, way up in the last few years. This has been documented as rising directly as cell phone use in vehicles has increased. It is now illegal to text here as a driver of a vehicle as long as the vehicle is in motion. The problem? Even talking on a cell phone has been documented as being as dangerous as driving drunk. I have a U.S. highway two blocks from my house and can see it from my rear deck. I see police vehicles all the time and most of them are on the cell phone as they drive by. Hard to get the police to enforce the distracted driving laws when they are themselves distracted by their own cell phone use which is still legal here.
That's tragic, especially because it was so easily preventable though not by the riders. It's a reminder for us not to turn the wheels on our trucks and cars until the way to turn is clear. I once was waiting to make a left turn when I was hit from behind by a car that was pushed into me by a another car that hit him. If my wheels would have been turned, I would have gotten pushed into oncoming traffic.
Thanks, I appreciate the responses from you all. Yeah, it's been a pretty bad weekend up here, and we are feeling rather overwhelmed by it all. When it rains........... and all that.
Sorry for this news. May you and their families experience the peace and comfort that can only be shared in Christ! (2 Cor 1:3-5) Know that you can find in Him grace and mercy in time of need! (Heb 4:14-16) Praying for you!
StromPilot-I was crushed to hear this this news. I'm currently out of state and saw this yesterday on KTUU, and like you, am at a loss for words. I'm so sorry for your personal loss, the loss to our motorcycling family, and for the loved ones of these riders. :sad::sad::
Yesterday was just a bad day all around, and a loss for the motorcycling community up here. I hope that this might result in an increased awareness on the part of drivers and a greater push for enforcing distracted driving laws. Smart phones are a great thing, but along with them has come the ability to drive while greatly impaired, in a manner of speaking. Perhaps some good can come of this.
You and your Church Family and all that ride were lifted up in prayer . I asked the Lord to keep a heade of protection around everyone concerned ,Brother I am sorry for your loss ,but there is Good News that comes out of tragic events like this for these Christian Brother & Sister riders who were killed they are now in the Kingdom of God forever with our Lord. Here are some words of encouragement for You and your church family and anyone who has suffered a loss of a loved one.
” And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:26
What it must be to step on shore and find it Heaven !
to take hold of a hand and find it GOD’S hand !
to Breathe new air and find it celestial air !
to feel invigorated and find it immortality !
to rise from the care and turmoil of earth
into an unbroken calm
to wake up and find it Glory !
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."Galatians 2:20
May the Love mercy and sweet blessing of Jesus Christ be with you and your church family during this difficult time.
That is one bad situation all around. The van driver was not paying attention obviously. I would guess he was texting, or on his cell phone, maybe fiddling with his car stereo or GPS.
The Pickup driver had his wheels turned, which he should not have done. Likely didn't have his foot on the brake either although he may have let that go when he was hit.
The Riders were in Tandem formation, which gives them zero room to maneuver when an obstacle presents itself. Everyone needs to ride staggered, and always have an out. 2 seconds between each rider.
I would also guess the riders were wearing minimal protection which is typical with Harley riders.
Sorry if that all sounds harsh to anyone, but some lives may have been saved in this scenario if some or all of these items had been followed.
My condolences to friends and family. May your religion sustain you.
Very tragic event,
My deepest condolences to you and your friend's families
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