Motorcycle Safety As Weather Warms Up

There have been five serious motorcycle crashes in just the last five days in Northern Nevada, and the Nevada Highway Patrol is warning riders of necessary safety precautions.

NHP released the name of the man who was killed in a crash last week on Kingsbury Grade, 71-year-old Paul Bartell of Jackson, California.

Three motorcycles were involved in that incident. A rider says he knew several of those involved in the craash, and explains why this is a something all riders, and drivers, should be concerned about.

"I did know some of the riders that went down this week. And it does always hurt when you know them close," said Creed Armendariz.

NHP says a rider overshot a hairpin curve on State Route 207, running into two other motorcycles heading the other direction. On Sunday, a car crashed into a motorcycle near California Avenue and Newlands Circle. The rider was taken to the hospital. 

Troopers say these sorts of crashes are starting to pile up.

"Since we were asked to Stay Home for Nevada, we saw fewer cars on our roadways. That resulted in high speeds during that time frame. Since everyone is getting back to work and getting back on the road, what we are seeing right now are a lot of crashes," said NHP Public Information Officer, Trooper Hannah DeGoey.

"A lot of people don't hear us. Don't look for us. Because they're in too much of a rush," said Armendariz.

He says riders are also noticing this change. It's more dangerous than ever to be on a motorcyclist. NHP says motorcyclists have a 27% higher chance of dying in a crash than those driving cars.

"It's so easy to miss a motorcycle because of their size and speed. Look once, look twice, look 3 times for them," said Trooper DeGoey.

"Hopefully people realize we need to slow down, and everyone needs to slow down and pay attention to everyone," said Armendariz.

As for motorcycle riders, there are things they can do to reduce their risk.

Officials say riders shouldn't be lane splitting, which means weaving in and out along the center line. It's illegal in Nevada. Officials say they should also wear a helmet.

"Safe riding takes coordination and good judgment. Always ride sober. Wear the proper equipment and a helmet. Be aware that a car may not see you," said Trooper DeGoey.

The high winds this week may affect motorcyclists as well. NHP officials recommend that drivers give motorcycles the space they need to stay safe.