Patrol issues warning on motorcycles

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By Marci Piltz

Record-Courier staff writer

A fatal traffic crash on Labor Day that took the life of a Brimfield man was the third such fatal crash in Portage County this year.

The Ravenna Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol also has seen several serious injury accidents involving motorcycles this year, including an Aug. 30 crash on Brady Lake Road in Ravenna Township that left one woman seriously injured; a July 12 crash on S.R. 5 in Charlestown in which six motorcyclists were struck, leaving three critically injured; and a June 14 crash in which a man riding a motorcycle in Windham struck a deer and was thrown from his bike.

Lt. Michael Marucci, commander of the Ravenna post, said there's no disputing the fact that rising fuel prices have led to an increased number of motorcycles on the roadways. But that's not the reason it seems as though the number of crashes involving motorcycles has continued to increase over the last several years.

"Certainly, if you have an increased number of motorcycles on the road it increases the likelihood of one being involved in a crash," Marucci said. "I think there also are experienced riders out there, though, who are taking unnecessary risks and riding beyond their capabilities, as well as other motorists who just aren't used to sharing the road with motorcycles."

Marucci said since motorcycles are smaller vehicles and have only one headlight, often it's difficult to accurately judge how far away a bike is and how fast it is traveling.

"You might think it's farther away than it is, or going slower than it is, so you pull out without realizing it's actually closing in much quicker," he said.

Sgt. Antonio Matos of the <FFFC>Ravenna post agreed, noting two of the three motorcycle fatalities seen this year in Portage County were not the fault of the cyclists.

"Both of them were just driving along at normal speeds on their way to work," he said.

A 44-year-old Ravenna man was killed July 16 in a crash at the intersection of S.R. 5 and New Milford Road. In April, a 31-year-old Randolp was killed in a crash at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Hartville Road in Randolph.

An investigation currently is ongoing in the Labor Day motorcycle crash which left a 41-year-old Brimfield man dead following a two-vehicle crash on Lynn Road in Brimfield.

Of the three men killed, only one was wearing a helmet -- something that is currently not required by Ohio law.

"It's recommended that riders use a Department of Transportation approved helmet, but it's not required," Marucci said.

Matos suggested drivers of cars and trucks be very aware of their surroundings and also be aware that there are more motorcycles on the roads.

"With the way the trend has been going, I would guess motorcycle sales are going to continue to increase," Marucci said. "You will see more inexperienced riders on the roadway, and that will increase the chance for crashes too."

Marucci and Matos suggested riders -- both novice and experienced -- may benefit from attending any number of safety courses available in the area, including the state-sponsored Motorcycle Ohio program.

The Ravenna patrol post, along with Portage County Safe Communities and Metro Motorcycle & ATV Superstore in Mantua, have teamed up and will present a power point on motorcycle safety at noon Sept. 20 at Metro Motorcycle, 11558 S.R. 44. Marucci said the presentation can accommodate around 35 attendees, and anyone interested in attending should call the post at 330-297-1441 to register.

Matos said all motorcycle riders also need to "keep the right attitude" and consider proper safety gear before riding.

"Always be a defensive driver, and really consider a helmet," he said. "It's like having a seat belt."