Over the weekend, a crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle took the life of a Fort Worth man. The wreck happened on Highway 281 near the Highway 199 intersection. According to KFDX News Channel Three, a motorcyclist, 63-year-old Walter Millsap slammed into the back of a pickup truck that ran a stop sign as it was driving north on 281. Sadly, Millsap was pronounced dead on the scene. Very few details have been released on how this horrible crash happened. Was the driver of the truck distracted? Was this a case of a driver failing to share the road? This wreck is likely still under investigation with authorities.
Motorcycle Crashes: Just the Facts
- 4,957 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2012.
- In 2011, 4,612 motorcyclists were killed in crashes.
- 81,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2011.
- Between 2001 and 2008, more than 34,000 motorcyclists were killed on U.S roadways.
- During that same time frame, an estimated 1,222,000 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for non-fatal motorcycle-related injuries.
- Motorcyclist death rates increased 55 percent from 2001 to 2008.
Share the Road
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per vehicle mile traveled in 2011, motorcyclists were over 30 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash. Since motorcycles are smaller than traditional passenger occupant vehicles, they are often overlooked by distracted motorists. Drivers are encouraged to “look twice, to save a life” and put down the electronic devices. Respectfully sharing the road is an important part of keeping motorcyclists alive. Riders should always be given a full lane width when travelling the roadway. Riders may need to avoid gravel, pot holes and other roadway hazards on a moment’s notice, so give them plenty of room to maneuver.
After A Motorcycle Crash
When involved in crashes, motorcyclists face a higher risk for injury and death than passenger car occupants. Even with protective gear like helmets, boots, gloves and jackets, motorcyclists can still get seriously injured or killed in crashes involving automobiles. Riders are truly at the mercy of other drivers on the roadway. If drivers are distracted or impaired, they can seriously injury or kill other roadway users. Sharing the road means treating other drivers, riders, cyclists and pedestrians with respect. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Walter Millsap.