LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — May is motorcycle safety awareness month and a deadly crash involving a motorcyclist in North Las Vegas Wednesday afternoon is raising even more alarms about the dangers on valley roadways.
“It’s terrible, it’s terrible, as motorcyclists we are vulnerable. So, that is something that I keep in mind every time I get on my bike, said Tara Pierce, Co-Owner of Las Vegas Motorcycle Shop, Main Street Moto.
Pierce says who recently spoke with News 3 about the recent rise in motorcycle deaths since the beginning of the year.
“As we are coming into spring more people are riding and they are taking a break since over the winter so riders it’s important to be aware,” Pierce said.
Last month, News 3 reported on 9 fatal motorcyclist collisions for the month of April.
Just after 2:30 Wednesday afternoon North Las Vegas Police reported an adult male motorcyclist was traveling southbound along Losee Road when the driver of a Dodge Caravan who was traveling northbound in the left turn lane along Losee attempted to make the turn ahead of the motorcyclist.
That’s when investigators say, the motorcyclist crashed into the passenger side of the caravan where he was then ejected from his bike; moments later that motorcyclist was pronounced dead .
“It’s tragic everytime, the frequency of the news of accidents and the fatal accidents is devastating. It’s absolutely devastating all of those people had somebody to go home to and if they make it in pieces or not at all that is a tragedy and that is heartbreaking,” Pierce said.
Pierce stresses the alertness both riders and drivers should practice while out on valley roadways.
“For drivers be aware that there is going to be more motorcycles out on the road, double check before your turning, you’re going through an intersection or a stop sign, you’re pulling out of a driveway because sometimes it is hard to judge speed of a motorcycle so just generally be aware of your surroundings,” Pierce added.
With May be motorcyclist safety awareness month Pierce’s shop is helping raise awareness by partnering with a biker organization, helping support injured motorcyclists nationwide.
“For the month of May for motorcycle safety awareness month, we teamed up with a nonprofit called Biker Down to create awareness and we are giving away a helmet ,” Pierce added.
Investigators say they do not believe impairment or speed were a factor in the crash.
Police say the driver of the caravan will be facing charges of vehicular manslaughter and for failing to yield while making that left turn.
