The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2016, motorcycle helmets saved an estimated 1,859 lives. The NHTSA also estimated that an additional 802 lives would have been saved if all motorcyclists involved in an accident would have worn a helmet. Even though it has been shown that helmets save lives and the voluntary use of helmets by motorcyclists is up across the nation, a handful of states including the state of Arizona don’t have a helmet requirement for motorcyclists.
On Sunday, May 19th, AZ Family reports that a motorcycle accident in Phoenix has left one man dead.
Sgt. Vince Lewis, a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department, said in a statement that the accident occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. in the 4300 block of Bethany Avenue when Troy Schuder, 25, was reported to have been riding his motorcycle at high speed.
Schuder had been riding his motorcycle southbound on North 43rd near Keim Drive when he passed another southbound vehicle. During the pass, Schuder attempted to lift the front tire of his motorcycle off the pavement. Instead, the stunt failed, causing him to collide with the second vehicle. Schuder dropped his bike, sending the motorcycle and himself sliding approximately 200 feet along the pavement.
Schuder was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators say that Schuder did have a helmet with him, but he had not been wearing it at the time. Speed and possible impairment are both expected to have played a role in the fatal crash.
Police say that the driver of the other vehicle will not be charged in relation to the accident.
