LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Multiple motorcycle crashes across Central Kentucky have left riders seriously hurt and two men dead within just the past 24 hours.
In Lexington alone, emergency crews responded to two separate crashes — one Wednesday on Georgetown Road and another Thursday morning on Winchester Road — both leaving motorcyclists with life-threatening injuries. A third crash in Rowan County left a 23-year-old rider dead.
Lexington crashes
Wednesday afternoon, a motorcycle and an SUV collided at Georgetown Road and Glenn Arvin Avenue, sending one person to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Thursday morning at Winchester Road and East Loudon Avenue, a van and a motorcycle collided. The coroner identified the rider as 35-year-old Jeremy Bales of Lexington. He later died at the hospital.
Rowan County fatality
Just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Rowan County, 23-year-old Christopher Blake Adkins collided with a Ford Explorer on KY 801 North and was later pronounced dead.
Kentucky State Police are investigating all three crashes.
Safety experts urge awareness
AAA’s Lori Weaver Hawkins said the crashes are common for the season as temperatures rise and more riders return to the roads.
“All of these crashes are preventable, but it takes both drivers as well as motorcyclists to reduce that crash level, get that down to zero,” Weaver Hawkins said. “Everyone has a role to play.”
She said drivers need to not be distracted, not speed and be aware that motorcycles are not as easy to see on the roadway.
Justin Hacker with Man O’ War Harley Davidson said riders are just getting back into the groove after winter.
“Not only have there been accidents in Lexington, there’ve been some in Rowan County and surrounding counties,” Hacker said. “You need to check on your biker friends. Is everybody good? Check in.”
Hacker said drivers should give motorcycles extra room.
“If you’re following a motorcycle, I can’t stress it enough, give them a little extra room. Stay back a little bit. Kind of be defensive for that rider,” he said.
Gear and road hazards
Weaver Hawkins said motorcyclists have a responsibility too. She said riders should watch for road hazards like potholes, which are especially dangerous this time of year after a long winter.
AAA recommends all motorcyclists and their passengers wear protective gear including a helmet, regardless of the law.
Last year alone, Kentucky saw more than 1,700 motorcycle crashes, killing 124 people.
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