Last week, there was a fatal motorcycle crash on Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on Thursday, about 12 miles north of Cherokee, North Carolina. Very few details about this deadly motorcycle crash have been released, but we do know that a motorcycle rider lost control of his bike on Newfound Gap Road. Initial reports indicate that he hit another motorcycle in front of him. His motorcycle then veered into oncoming traffic and hit an SUV head-on.
Motorcyclist Killed in Crash on Newfound Gap Road
First responders rushed to the scene. The motorcycle rider did not survive his injuries. There has been no word on whether or not anybody else was injured in the crash or if the other motorcyclist is okay. A portion of the road was closed for about three hours as crews worked the scene. This incident could still be under investigation with local law enforcement officials.
U.S. Motorcycle Crashes by The Numbers
- In 2016, per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclist fatalities happened nearly 28 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities.
- In 2015, there were 5,029 motorcycle riders killed in crashes in the U.S.
- There were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in crashes in 2016.
- Between 2015 and 2016, there was a 5.1 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities on U.S. roadways.
- Helmets saved an estimated 1,859 motorcyclists’ lives in 2016.
After a Motorcycle Accident in Asheville
Even relatively low speed crashes involving motorcycles and larger passenger occupant vehicles can be devastating for riders. Motorcycle riders continue to be one of the more vulnerable roadway user groups in the U.S. Even with helmets and other protective gear, motorcycle riders can be severely injured in crashes with larger vehicles. Motorcyclists are truly at the mercy of other drivers on the roads. With more distracted drivers on the roads, motorcycle safety awareness campaigns continue to be a top priority for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident in Asheville or in any of the nearby Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.