Two Dead As Motorcycles Hit Head On

This morning, a former fire chief of Long Lake was killed in a collision when his Harley hit another motorcycle head-on in Independence. The second motorcycle had been passing a truck and into the other lane. The circumstances are still being investigated.

Maple Plain Police say five motorcyclists were traveling westbound on County Road 6 near County Road 90, not far from the home of my partner, Joe Crumley. The former chief was in the front of the group. The group was 10 minutes into a trip to New Mexico. The single rider "wanted to pass the truck, moved into the oncoming lane," and collided with the lead bike, said Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Lisa Kiava.

With the weather warm enough to ride and gas prices staying high more people are driving fuel efficient alternatives. At the same time, recent reports indicate that deaths on motorcycles are rising in Minnesota. It’s important that the following be kept in mind:

1. Yield the right-of-way.

2. Start seeing motorcycles.

3. When on a motorcycle, make sure people see you.

4. When just starting to ride, make sure you have the correct training.

The road is big enough for everyone.

As with any death in a Minnesota motor vehicle collision, there are a number of issues that will need to be reviewed. My partner, Joe Crumley, addressed this topic in a recent article for the Minnesota Lawyers Trial magazine. I was interviewed last year on the same topic. In this incident sorrow for the families of those involved goes out.