A Sunday night crash sent a motorcyclist to the hospital with serious injuries. The wreck happened on Fairway Boulevard, north of Kell West after 6:00 p.m. Bryan Soderstrom, 23 years old, was riding a white Harley Davidson motorcycle north on Fairway at the time of the collision. According to KFDX News Channel Three, a Toyota, driven by a 17-year-old male, was heading south on Fairway when the vehicles collided. Reporters said that the Toyota was turning into the United parking lot and pulled in front of the motorcycle. The Wichita Falls Police Department’s crash reconstruction unit was on the scene. John Spraggins, the public information officer, spoke with KFDX News Channel Three about the investigation. He said that officers would analyze skid marks, debris patterns and evidence at the scene to determine the cause of the wreck.
Sharing the Road
Drivers need to be on the lookout for riders. Sadly, many injury-causing and fatal crashes could have been prevented. A lot of drivers who have been involved in serious wrecks with motorcycles report not having seen the bike before the collision. Drivers need to have greater awareness about motorcyclists on the roadways. Since motorcycles are smaller, they are often overlooked. That’s why it’s so important to look twice, and share the road. Sharing the road means understanding the differences between motorcycle safety and automobile safety. Even with the use of safety gear, bikers can still sustain serious and life-threatening injuries.
Motorcycle Crash Facts
- In the U.S., there were 4,612 motorcycle fatalities in 2011.
- In 2012, 460 riders died on Texas roadways.
- Motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants in passenger cars, per vehicle mile traveled.
- Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to riders who crash.
Increasing one’s safety is a top priority for many riders in Texoma. Protective gear like full-face helmets, gloves, eye protection, jackets and boots are great for reducing the risk of injury and death during a wreck. Unfortunately, these items can’t keep riders perfectly safe in every situation. The importance of motorcycle awareness can’t be overstated. Drivers need to share the road with riders and look twice before merging, changing lanes or turning. The 17-year-old driver was released from the scene after the wreck. As of Monday morning, the motorcyclist was still hospitalized. There is no word on his current condition. The team at the Altman Legal Group wishes Bryan Soderstrom a speedy and full recovery.