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Friday, June 4, 2010 | 1:28 p.m.
Crash location
Two motorcyclists were injured, one critically, in a crash this morning after a vehicle apparently cut one of them off while changing lanes, police said.
North Las Vegas Police spokesman Tim Bedwell said the incident occurred about 7 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of Craig Road west of Interstate 15.
Authorities said a 55-year-old Las Vegas man was eastbound in a 1999 Plymouth Voyager while struggling to make a lane change.
A 49-year-old North Las Vegas man was eastbound on his 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHR motorcycle behind the van in the lane where the Plymouth driver wanted to be. During the van driver’s attempts to change lanes, police say the Harley operator was cut off and he lost control of the motorcycle.
The man on the Harley slid into another traffic lane, occupied by a 21-year-old North Las Vegas man riding a 2002 Honda CBR 954 RR motorcycle, authorities said. The Honda rider avoided the Harley rider, but hit the median and crashed, investigators said.
Police said both riders and motorcycles slid before coming to rest. The van didn't make contact with either motorcycle. No other vehicles hit the riders, police said.
Authorities said the van driver continued driving but police stopped him. He said he didn't know the motorcycles crashed.
The Harley-Davidson's operator was wearing a "novelty" helmet, Bedwell said. He was taken to UMC in critical condition and was undergoing surgery for head injuries, police said.
Bedwell said the rider’s injuries could have been reduced with the use of an approved helmet.
The Honda rider was wearing an approved full-face helmet. He suffered road rash and extremity injuries, Bedwell said. He walked away from the crash and was transported to UMC for minor injuries.
North Las Vegas has had four traffic fatalities this year. All of the fatalities have been motorcycle riders.
Drugs and alcohol don't appear to be factors in the crash, police said. Police on Friday weren't releasing the names of anyone involved in the incident.
Where are all those anti-helmet law guys?
Once again, a cager makes a left turn in front of a bike causing the accident and then states "he didn't know the bikes had crashed", and all the above two commenters can talk about is helmets...pathetic.
Drivers need to pay closer attention while driving, especially when motorcycles are involved. There will be more motorcycles on the road now that the weather is better. If you need to change a lane, exit or make a turn and you are unable to get it, look ahead an see when you can make the appropriate move safely, even if it means going to the next exit, making a turn on another street, it not worth getting in an accident over it. When driving you have all kinds of options, pick the safe option, it will save a life.
Dilligaf, WHERE in this article does it state that a "cager" made a turn in front of anyone? Can you read? All vehicles were going eastbound on Craig Rd. and the automobile cutoff the motorcyclist! Enough with your idiotic comments. Had the Harley Rider had a real helmet on, he probably wouldn't be in critical condition and emergency surgery.
And how much do you want to bet that the Harley rider saw this van trying to get over and wouldn't let him over? This happens all too many times at this area because people can't read signs and want to either force themselves onto the freeway or force themselves OUT of the far right turn lane that goes on the freeway. People really need to pay better attention to signs, traffic and whatnot and be courteous.
people don't look cool riding a ansi approved helmet on a harley. were a full face helmet give your chance to survive
I've had two wrecks on my streetbike. Both times I wore jacket, gloves, long pants, and a full face helmet. Both times I walked away a little bit more religious.
Wearing a "novelty" helmet is like wearing a baseball cap. Your face is still going to slam into the pavement.
Acountmakr, if I were you I'd consider hanging up my helmet while I still could!
vegasguy80-
Yes, I can read, and actually have abstract thought, including some 48 years of safe riding in many states. All vehicles were going in the same direction. The cage [ie: van for you] cut off the biker. 'Scuse me, but isn't that a turn out of his lane??
My point is that complaining about helmets isn't the issue or going to help. The issue is that people continue to make turns [from any direction] in front of bikes. THERE'S the focus of solving the problem! You can sit here and make suppositions about who might have done what, but the fact is, the cage made a lane shift [turn!] and the bike went down.
We at least agree that these novelty helmets don't do much, do they?
Motorcycles and Las Vegas are just a bad mix. Too many knucklehead drivers to even think about riding in this city.
I know the love of riding is a great time...not in this city. Too dangerous.
While I agree about the lousy drivers of cars in Vegas. I would also like to ask the following of bike riders.
1 Are their bikes equipped with signals?
2 Are they supposed to weave in and out of traffic without using said signals?
3 Are they aware of the lousy car drivers in Vegas?
If anyone answers no to any of these. Then you better make sure you wear a proper helmet.
i think if you are still riding a cycle in vegas, it's just kind of darwin weeding out the dumb.
The point is, Dilligaf, accidents will always happen, because people don't pay adequate attention. When the accident does eventually happen, it's probably not a good idea to slam your head off the pavement with no protection. Again.
Have to agree with stevem on this one..
Sandy-
And the purpose of your initial comment was helpful just exactly how again...?
it goes both motorcyclist must drive defensively not offense. i see alot motorcyclist haul A** down craig road. and i see them ride stupid on I15 so i see it both ways.
believe me there alot blind spot on these cars u might see object one second and not see it in a half second. millisecond can make a difference
I saw a couple on a bike yesterday, wearing shorts, tank tops, sandals and novelty helmets. No regard for their own safety at all. I can hear their excuse...."It's too hot for long sleeves....". I agree with those who say car drivers need to be more careful, as do bike riders. Even in my car, I don't allow myself to get boxed in without a way out if at all possible.
Agreed TomD..I rode for a few years while living in North Vegas. Looking back I guess I was lucky to stay out of trouble. I love riding but I guess in Vegas it's just too risky. When I see someone trying to get over it's easier to show a little courtesy and let them in. Trying to impose your right of way on a motorcycle is dangerous.