Motorcyclists weigh in on recent Valley crashes
Mild temperatures and a major motorcycle rally in Arizona have brought a lot of bikes to local roadways, proving, at times, to be a dangerous situation. One biker went down on Highway 74 Sunday afternoon.
“(It) looked like there was a sweeping curve,” said 30-year-motorcycle rider Juan Nadal. “It looked like he didn’t take the curve right and he slid down and went underneath the guard rail.”
An officer with the California Highway Patrol told KESQ News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner that the rider was OK and sustained only minor injuries.
However, on Friday morning at least three crashes in the Coachella Valley on Interstate 10 happened; one proved deadly.
“It’s sad. We passed the accident and it hurt my heart because my husband died in a motorcycle accident,” said Angela Lopez, who has been riding since she was 20 years old.
Lopez was on her way home to Hisperia from the rally in Arizona. She had passed the scene of the deadly collisiion on her way to it earlier in the week.
“That just reminds us that we need to be careful when we’re out there riding, you know? Not to be in a rush,” added another rider who only wanted to be identified as ‘Clown.’
Some said vehicle drivers are to blame.
“When you have drivers in cars, who get mad at the bikers and want to cut us off and stuff, they don’t understand. One wrong move and we’re dead,” Lopez said.
Others said it is reckless riders.
“Riders riding above what their skill level is. Many people will buy a new bike and they don’t have the skill to deal with LA or California driving,” Nadal said.
Meanwhile, the California Highway Patrol said that everyone needs to share the road and follow the rules.
“We encourage everyone when they are riding on a motorcycle, they have helmets. Make sure they have all of the appropriate safety gear. Their motorcycles are checked and also be mindful when they’re riding,” said Sgt . Joe Zagorski , of the Indio Area CHP. “Motorists need to be mindful of motorcycles- keeping vigilant .”
Distracted driving, often people who are on their cellphones and not paying attention while behind the wheel, continues to be a big issue.
