A motorcycle crash Tuesday left a Felton-area man in critical condition, according to police.
The state police Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to reports of a crash that occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near Sandtown Road, according to police.
Preliminary investigation determined Rhonda A. Martin, 63, of Felton, was operating a 2004 Jeep Liberty eastbound on Sandtown Road west of Cabin Ridge Road while Paul J. Perry, 29, of Felton, was riding a 2002 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle eastbound on Sandtown Road, Master Cpl. Gary Fournier said in a press release.
Perry approached the Jeep from behind when the Jeep began to turn right, Fournier said.
Perry then hit the brakes and skid approximately 62 feet before the bike slid on its side and struck the Jeep on the right rear corner, according to police.
Perry was ejected from the motorcycle and landed on the side of the road, police said. Perry was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Perry was airlifted by Trooper 2, state police helicopter, to Christiana Medical Center where he is currently listed in critical condition, according to police.
Martin was wearing a seat belt and was uninjured in the crash, police said.
Sandtown Road was closed for approximately three and a half hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident and no charges have been filed.
According to the press release, in 2014 motorcycles were involved in 398 crashes, 12 were fatal, 232 resulted in personal injuries, and 89 resulted in property damage. In 2015 motorcycles were involved in 402 crashes, 20 were fatal, 209 resulted in personal injuries, and 106 resulted in property damage. The remainder of the crashes for both years were a result of minor or non-reportable crashes.Anyone may have witnessed the crash should contact Sergeant M. Groce at (302) 698-8518 or call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Tips can be submitted at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”
Police advised drivers to use the following tips while on the road with motorcyclists:
- Allow a motorcyclist the full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in a traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, the motorcycle needs the full room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
- Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
- Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
- Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
- Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to passenger vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Be aware that motorcyclists may need to change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.
- Don’t tailgate a motorcycle. Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
Police advised motorcyclists to adhere to the following to ensure safety:
- Follow the rules of the road.
- No speeding or weaving in and out of traffic.
- Be alert to other drivers.
- Always wearing protective gear including high visibility outerwear.
Contact Alonzo Small at (302) 324-2856 or asmall@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @P_AlonzoSmall.
Man injured in Felton motorcycle crash
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