Motorcycle crashes in Georgia occur with an alarming regularity. Even by the standards of I-75, the first week of September was tragic for riders.
Three motorcyclists lost their lives in separate crashes on I-75 in the first week of September.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted all three men were in their 30s.
Many motorcyclists lose their lives when other drivers fail to see them. Motorists making left-turns are a particular hazard.
Police said 39-year-old Benjamin Clark of Acworth lost his life in Cobb County when he was killed after being thrown from his 2007 Honda Shadow. Marietta police said the rider was traveling northbound on I-75 when he collided with a 2016 GMC Sierra pickup.
Police work three motorcycle crashes in Georgia
The rider hit a center median wall and was thrown from his bike, police said.
In another incident on I-75 Atlanta police officers responded to a crash on I-75/85 southbound at Langford Parkway. Investigators said Dwayne Parker Jr., a 37-year-old rider from Stone Mountain was killed after he was ejected from his bike after hitting the car in front of him.
Atanta police spokesman Sgt. John Chafee said:
“As vehicles slowed for the accident, a second motorcycle struck the rear end of a vehicle and a third motorcyclist lost control of his bike and crashed while attempting to avoid the slowing vehicles,”.
Two other motorcyclists who were on I-75 with the deceased rider were taken to Grady Hospital in stable condition. Nobody was charged in the incident.
Meanwhile, in Clayton County, a scooter rider lost his life when he was rear-ended by a driver who left the scene.
The rider was on a 250cc scooter when he was rear-ended on the interstate by a Honda Civic whose driver took off, Sgt. Ashanti Marbury said.
The rider was identified as Demosthenes Kostapapas Jr., 31, of Reddick in Florida. He was killed on I-75 south near Bob White Trail.
Police were looking for a Honda with substantial front-end damage.
Riders of small machines like motorcycles and scooters are very vulnerable to the actions of other drivers. There is never an excuse for leaving an accident scene, particularly when it results in death or serious injury.
Increasing numbers of riders are losing their lives on our highways. Many of these are older riders. Although some crashes are caused by motorcyclists traveling too fast for conditions, others are the fault of other drivers.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash or lost a loved one in Georgia, please call the Law Office of Michael West at (404) 913-1529.