At least five people were injured, and one person was killed in a multi-motorcycle collision near Comanche this week. According to KFDX News Channel Three, the incident occurred on US Highway 81, about a mile north of Paul Road. The crash involved a half dozen motorcycles and a 2012 GMC Denali SUV. For currently unknown reasons, the northbound SUV was somehow involved in a collision with the southbound motorcycles. At this time, the investigation is still underway to determine how this crash could have happened.
Motorcyclist Killed and Five Others Injured
Monty Howell, a 53-year-old from Duncan, died on the scene as a result of massive injuries sustained in the crash. He was on a Harley Davidson motorcycle at the time of the wreck. Multiple other riders and passengers were inured. At least two of the injured victims had to be airlifted to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. The latest report listed at least four of the victims in serious condition. The driver of the Denali, 43-year-old Fred Cox III of Duncan, was not injured in the crash.
Motorcycle Crash Facts
- In 2012, 4,957 motorcycle riders were killed in crashes.
- In 2013, 4,668 motorcyclists were killed in crashes.
- In 2013, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all roadway crash fatalities across the U.S.
- In 2012, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were more than 26 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.
Share The Road
Motorcyclists have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as other motorists on the roadway. Unfortunately, they don’t always get the respect they deserve. With distracted, dangerous, careless and impaired drivers on the roadways, motorcyclists are put at risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages drivers to Share the Road with motorcyclists and other vulnerable roadway user groups.
Vulnerable Roadway Users
Motorcycle riders are one of the most vulnerable roadway user groups. They don’t have the same protective safety measures that drivers and passengers in cars have. They’re truly at the mercy of other drivers on the road. Even with helmets and other safety gear, motorcyclists can become catastrophically or fatally injured in collisions with larger vehicles.
The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Monty Howell. We also wish swift and full recoveries to all of the injured motorcyclists.