Motorcycle crashes kill two

LEWISTON — Police were investigating two motorcycle crashes Monday night in Lewiston and Bridgton that left two men dead and two other people injured.

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

A motorcycle rider was killed in a crash with a car on Lisbon Street in Lewiston on Monday.

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

People mourn at the scene of the fatal motorcycle accident on Lisbon Street in Lewiston on Monday evening.

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

A man mourns at the scene of the fatal motorcycle accident on Lisbon Street in Lewiston on Monday evening.

Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

A motorcycle driver's helmet lays at the scene of a fatal crash along Lisbon Street in Lewiston on Monday.

The Lewiston crash happened at 6:49 p.m. on Lisbon Street in front of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Witnesses said an elderly woman was pulling out of the restaurant lot onto Lisbon Street when her car was hit by a man on a motorcycle.

The man died at the scene. The woman was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

Lewiston Police Lt. Mark Watson said the dead man had not been positively identified.

People near the crash scene said they heard the motorcycle going fast, then heard the crash.

“It sounded like a cement truck hit a building, that's how loud it was,” said Sandra Nelligan of Louise Avenue. The impact shook her building. Nelligan came out of her home and saw the man lying on the ground on his stomach. She described him as in his late 20s or early 30s. His helmet was a few feet away. The woman in the green Subaru who was pulling onto Lisbon Street was slumped and appeared unconscious, Nelligan said.

Some rescue personnel turned the man over and performed CPR while others helped the woman in the vehicle.

Kim Roy, who works at Professional Piercers of Maine, said she saw the crash happen. Roy said she was helping a customer to their car when she saw an elderly lady pulling out.

“The motorcycle was coming down and smacked the driver's side,” Roy said. “It was a big bang. People ran over to see if he was OK. The ambulance got there quickly.”

Emergency personnel tried to revive him. she said. “It happened really fast."

John and Shari Gosselin of Lucille Avenue were out for a walk when they heard the crash.

“We could hear him opening the bike up, just wind it,” he said. “Then all of a sudden we heard a crash. We were on the scene before there were any ambulances.”

“We got up here and we saw this,” Shari Gosselin said, looking at the scene. The dead man was covered and still in the road. The sedan driver's door was smashed in. The blue Yamaha lay on the road.

Neighbors complained about speed on that stretch of Lisbon Street, from the light at Dunkin' Donuts to the turnpike. “They top that hill” and pick up speed, Gosselin said.

Nelligan said the tragedy was preventable. “This is not Oxford Plains. This is Lisbon Street.”

In Bridgton, police officer T.J. Reese said a man from Massachusetts died after he stood on the seat of his Harley-Davidson, waved his arm and crashed on Route 302 near McDonald Motors.

The 40-ish driver died at the scene, Reese said. His name was not being released until next of kin was notified.

Reese said, "He stood up on the seat of his bike, was waving one hand in the air, and lost control of his bike and fell to the ground."

Harley-Davidson rider Marjorie Loonie, 45, of Melrose, Mass., was also injured in the crash, the investigator said. She "was driving behind him when he lost control. He was tumbling down the road. When she tried to avoid him she lost control of her motorcycle as well."

Neither was wearing a helmet.

Loonie was taken to Bridgton Hospital and then flown to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, the officer said. A nursing supervisor said Loonie was still being evaluated at 10:20 p.m.

The two motorcyclists were among four leaving the Trailside Restaurant at about 5:25 p.m., Reese said, with the man who died leading them north on the highway.

Cumberland County Sheriff's Department investigators were conducting the accident reconstruction, Reese said. The crash remains under investigation.

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Comments

amason's picture

Profiling

This story hits home with me.. I am in a relationship with a very intelligent and mature young man. He is in school hoping to be a sheriff someday. He has a similar type of motorcycle as the man in the crash. He has a motorcycle mainly because of the gas mileage.. much cheaper than a car. Plus he just loves riding. But, like most people he likes to have nice things. Its a pretty bike with very loud pipes. His pipes are loud no matter how fast he is going. Thats the point of them. Not to be loud only when you're doing 80 on the bike, but all the time. I also have a motorcycle, so I know the dangers first hand. But since he rides more than me, I get to worry about him more. And to be honest, many people on here should be ashamed of themselves. If this same thing happened to my boyfriend and I read these comments where people profiled him as a biker, or a tattooed pirate, they would be like daggers in an already broken heart. My point is, we do not know who this man is, so any opinions that include profiling motorcyclists as bad or irresponsible is very unfair and hurtful. There should be no arguing over who is to blame in this. The only comments that should be here are ones to give respect to family members and to all others who lost a loved one during this tragic accident or any like it. Please.. this world would be such a better place if we just respect....

candiceanne's picture

It is not an accident it is negligence

As a motorcyclist who has been hit and as a passenger in a truck who has been hit it is not an accident, this is negligence. Skidding on black ice and going off the road is an accident. Having a tire with reasonable wear blow out on the interstate and causing a wreck is an accident. Failing to yield the right of way, failing to stop at a stop sign or control device straight or under the influence causing property damage, injury or death is negligence. The guy on the motorcycle and his family do not get a do over because of this persons neglegence and this person and their insurance should be held accountable to the greatest extent of the law.

seekingthetruth's picture

Ok Spdkills, here are the facts

These numbers come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pubs/811159.pdf

They report that in 2007 there were 72.48 fatalities per 100,000 registered bikes, compared to 12.06 fatalities per 100,000 for passenger cars. Thats 6 times the death rate.

According to the website: "Per vehicle mile traveled in 2007, motorcyclists were about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash"

And this: "In 2008, 30 percent of all fatally injured motorcycle riders had BAC levels of
.08 g/dL or higher. An additional 7 percent had lower alcohol levels (BAC .01 to .07 g/dL)."

“In 2008, a higher percentage of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes had BAC levels of .08 g/dL or higher than any other type of driver.”

Yeah, I think bikers need to be informed of the danger of riding and make sure they are willing to accept that risk before they buy a bike.

BTW, I am in no way saying that every accident is the bike's fault or that irresponsible auto drivers are not liable for an accident they cause. All I am saying is that every time someone takes of on a bike they are taking way more of a risk than a passenger auto driver is.

thinkingman's picture

It amazes me on boths dies

It amazes me on boths dies how many people have already determined cause and fault in tis accident....why not let the police do their job and have some respect for those involved...better yet, speak with your state representatives about changing the laws if you're concerned.

spdkills's picture

Sad and Unfortunate

Condolences to the family and friends of the deceased rider. He left way before his time. I am reading posts that say motorcycles are inherently more dangerous then cars, but the truth is they are not. Cars and rider error are the 2 largest contributors to motorcycle accidents. Yes, all motorcyclists accept the risk when they ride, however it is not acceptable to excuse poor drivers of cars. An average small car weighs roughly 4000lbs while the average sport bike weighs 450lbs. Simple physics can tell you the out come when these 2 vehicles come together. Yes they will be able to re create the accident. Weight of bike and rider and depth of impact on the car will yield the speed of the bike in a simple physics formula. The motorcycle would have been traveling 58.66 feet/sec @ 40mph and 73.33 feet/sec @ 50 mph as examples. In any case, due to the location of the impact it is clear that the driver did not see the motorcycle and pulled out relatively close to him. Operators of sport bikes and I am one them, have a fatal advantage. We are small and can accelerate at speeds that most drivers are not familiar with making it difficult for them to judge distance to us. I am very sorry for this young man as nothing posted here will bring him back. I only hope that we can learn from his loss.

Robert OReilly's picture

KFC

That store really needs to consider taking down that sign that they string up between the posts of their store sign. It makes it really difficult to see oncoming traffic when you're turning out of the drive-through parking lot.

Not that this excuses the elderly from causing traffic fatalities; but I think all three parties have some fault in this.

seekingthetruth's picture

Sadly, we all take a risk when we get into a vehicle

Alot of people die in accidents every year. Unfortunately, there is a greater risk of dieing on a motorcycle than in a car.

But for some reason there is always more of an outcry when a biker is killed than when someone in an SUV is killed. Hey people, newsflash here!!!! Bikes are more dangerous than cars. And anyone buying a bike needs to realize the extra danger they exposing themselves to before they buy it.

Don't ride if you are not willing to take the risk. Simple.

seekingthetruth's picture

Jail time?

For those of you calling for jail time for this elderly lady, why don't you stop and think just a minute. She wasnt drinking or smoking dope. She had no criminal intent. It was just a terrible ACCIDENT!

Any one of us here could have an accident that causes a death before the week is out. That just makes us human, not criminal.

K0NPHL1C7's picture

Well I do agree that jail

Well I do agree that jail time would be a bit harsh, I must point out that in the eyes of the law, there are no "accidents". There are "collisions", and each one is avoidable, and each one is caused by negligence on one or more parties behalf. In this case, the elderly woman did not make sure she had adequate time to pull out, and therefore she is at fault, and should accept responsibility for her actions.

seekingthetruth's picture

Absolutely I agree with you

Yes the person at fault needs to be held liable, and that's what we pay insurance for. Yes, she is responsible for the wreck, but she is not a criminal.

frnchmn's picture

tron...first I want to

tron...first I want to commend you on not turning this into a political issue. This is a very sad story and people should be cognisant of the fact that family members may read these comments so please use some disgression.

I am very familiar with this area and have seen, first hand, 3 fatal accidents involving a car pulling out of McDonalds and a motorcycle hitting the car. Each time the first phrase I heard from the car driver was, "I never saw the motorcycle" I understand it since there are a ton of things going on (think sensory overload) at that intersection, cars going to I95, coming and going out of the Chalet Motel and other residential areas near by. These are the things I as a motorcycle rider keep in my mind as I ride through there.

Again, tron, I know we usually don't agree but keeping civility regarding this event is a good sign, and I thank you for that. So I will take a moment of silence for the people who lost their lives, and for those who were injured in these accidents.

roadwolfwalker's picture

Have respect

I PRAY FOR BOTH SAD BY ALL MEANS FOR BOTH

verified

Motorcycle Crash on Lisbon St.

I know the lady who was in the car. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. She is a dear lady who is very good friends with my Mom who passed away just last week. Sad how life works but not much we can do about it, except pray,pray pray!!!

candiceanne's picture

Let's face it this time the

Let's face it this time the KFC lady's luck rran out. She doesn't look whenn pulling out and this time something wad coming it wasn't bigger than her so she wasn't on the losing and and it was a motorcycle so that rider died.

Jo's picture

How Awful

I hope the families of both parties don't read this blog. Some of the comments are simply cruel...and ignorant.

Someone died, and I would venture to guess that "someone" was young. And someone elses life will be forever tormented (if she lives).

My heart aches for them...

Joseph's picture
verified

Well said

and it bears worth repeating. Some people commenting here have been cruel. Just keep in mind that people died here. For whatever reasons involved, just realize there are grieving people left behind.

PistonJay's picture

MeinMaine

Set aside you sarcasism for a minute and ask you self what right did she have not paying attenion and killing this man? Is the fact that this man was riding a motorcycle that brings out your indifference?

lawntobemowed's picture

Please!

My sincere sympathy to all involved in this accident. It's a tragedy for all.

I do a lot of walking and pedal bike riding. Many motorcycle riders seem to try to impress me with their motorcycle abilities. It's fun to watch but please stop doing it. Let me go to the Oxford Dragway or Hemond's and watch you there. During my walks I've seen wheelies, reverse wheelies (lifting the back tire and riding on the front), standing on the seat, and some really neat burnouts. All crotch rocket riders. I've never seen the leather wearing motorcycle club guys doing this stuff.

seekingthetruth's picture

They don't allow "crotch rockets" in Maine

Crotch rockets are those miniature bikes that look like big bikes but the handlebars are up in your crotch when you try to ride them.

They are cheap, dangerous and I am glad they are illegal in Maine.

You have not been seeing crotch rockets in Lewiston.

lawntobemowed's picture

You are so right!

PistonJay's picture

Time for a shift in efforts

This is the second time in the matter of a month that a motorcyclist was pulled out infront of and was killed by someone that "Did not see them". (Wilton was the other) In many countries these people would be procecuted and sent to jail. It is time for the motorcyclists of this state to lobby for tougher legislation to truly protect themselves and there loved ones. There is no excuse for not seeing motorcycles we have just as much right as 4 wheel vehicles. I have been involved several near misses in the 10,000 miles per year that I ride and most all have involved two groups the very young and the very old any every time I stop and ask what where you thinking pulling uot infront of me ,or just about running me off the road while they are making lane changes into my lane I always hear " I did not see you or hear you!". So as I see it the best use of our time would be educating all motorists and mandating vision testing and compentency tests for the first several years of being licenced and then begining at a specific age there after.
And then regardles of any other circumstances and just like the new distracted driving law you are personal resposible for the situation created, if your lack of attention kills someone then you should go to jail. Saying you did not see them or they where speeding should be no excuse! You kill a motorcyclist you go to jail!

MeInMaine's picture

SO glad you were there

To witness all this taking place. After all, what NERVE this woman had driving in this neighborhood, heck in this state even! After all, that motorcyle rider had every right to be screaming up Lisbon Street going like a bat out of hell. EVERYONE should have cleared off the street. Wow. Your ignorance just overwhelms.

frnchmn's picture

...so YOU were there?

...so YOU were there? '''those who live in glass houses should never throw stones" ow do you know the rider was...as you say "screaming up Lisbon Street going like a bat out of hell" ...in fact you don't. Do you not see the irony in your post? It's something I would expect to hear Peter Griffin from Family Guy say.

verified

I drive there

I drive there everyday and have been cut off going the speed limit and have seen several bikers cut off simply because of driver ignorance even while going under. If you have something to say about safety don't let the cat catch you're own tongue.

JoeZiehmer's picture

Sad

This is how people tend to label those who ride the bikes. I think the simple answer is that another elderly driver caused a fatal accident. It happens all the time and as someone who drives most of my close calls come from elderly drivers. Complete with their middle fingers, cutting off, and brake checking simply to brake check. I nearly bit it when one of them decided to brake check me a couple of years ago driving home in a mini-van and they stopped on an icy and snowy patch of road to read a map.

momof4's picture

I wonder

how "elderly" the lady is...maybe she shouln't be driving? And I like how pirates dress...

Gregg's picture

Helmets/Loud Pipes/Safety/tourism

Traffic is your enemy on a bike. You have to watch every intersection, driveway, business entrance as well as the idiots that change lanes without looking for bikes. In this case, the driver was wearing a helmet. It did no good with an inattentive driver. A helmet will only save you in limited circumstances. The only time I wear a helmet, is when I am in a high traffic area and then you need to watch every vehicle and intersection like they're out to kill you. They Are! Country roads don't require helmets and are the most enjoyable part of riding. Nothing like putting a hot sweaty pot on your head on a warm summer day to destroy the riding pleasure. But in traffic a prudent driver will put one on. There is so much to be said for motorcycle tourism that is now going on in Maine. Baby boomers with some cash in their pockets and not quite ready to get on the tour buses can be quite a boon for the Maine tourism businesses. Picture a group of 10-20 motorcycle couples pulling into a mom/pop motel for the night. One or two of these groups could probably make or break a season for the motel owner. These riders come for the freedom associated with riding in New England along with the scenery. These aren't outlaw bike gang types but incognito lawyers, dentists, bankers etc. Recent legislation, concerning mufflers, pushed by the small vocal minority, who have never had the pleasure of biking is ill advised. Sounds like the driver of the car, should have heard the bike coming in this case, because, of the loud pipes every one else seemed to hear. If she been paying attention to the loud pipes, this tragic accident probably could have been avoided. As a driver, you are always at fault if you change lanes, enter traffic or make turns, unless the move can be made with safety. My thoughts are with the family of the rider.

Brain's picture

Incognito lawyers, dentists, bankers ?

Mine don't dress like pirates and have tattoos.

frnchmn's picture

So what you are saying is you

So what you are saying is you have seen them without their professional attire on? I know MANY lawyers, doctors, principals, etc who ride. Brain, you are just stereotyping riders to make it convenient for you to vilify them as evil noise makers. Where does all that pent up negativity come from?

Brain's picture

Glad you asked....

The biker noise at night (and day)

The image is gives the City --- way too many bikers

The unkempt bad boy image, i.e. "pirate on a bike"

The reckless driving, i.e. the most recent deaths

No helmet laws

Seeing the bikers in the City driving with "Colors" on their back

Seeing the "No Colors" signs at businesses

And let's not forget all the Tattoo Parlors that dot the landscape of the City

K0NPHL1C7's picture

The biker noise at night (and

The biker noise at night (and day)
-Unless it violates a noise ordinance, none of your business.

The image is gives the City --- way too many bikers
-Your opinion of the “image”.

The unkempt bad boy image, i.e. "pirate on a bike"
-None of your business.

The reckless driving, i.e. the most recent deaths
-Most recent death was the fault of an elderly woman not looking owhen she pulled out. Not the fault of the motorcyclist.

No helmet laws
-None of your business.

Seeing the bikers in the City driving with "Colors" on their back
-None of your business

Seeing the "No Colors" signs at businesses
-None of your business (pun not intended)

And let's not forget all the Tattoo Parlors that dot the landscape of the City
-None of your business.

You see a pattern here you commy prick? IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!
I suppose you would be happy if we all had to wear identical gray jumpsuits and fit your “Brain’s” image of what a society should look like. Fortunately, we live in AMERICA, and we are free to dress and act how we’d like so long as it doesn’t cause harm to others.
You don’t like it, move to Cuba. Prick.

veritas's picture
verified

Let's see here.....

No way the car should have pulled out. But it did.

These are the exigencies one must plan for and constantly assess when driving a car, or riding a motorcycle, motorbike, or bicycle down a road - especially an urban setting with businesses, homes, etc.

But when one gets wrapped up in their own cocoon of activity - it doesn't matter who's fault it is. The laws of physics, motion, momentum, mass, acceleration, de-acceleration, kinetics and the transfer of energy are very unforgiving when flesh and bone meet metal and concrete.

You've got to use your head for more than a battering ram.

njoynlife's picture

Seriously

Why do motorcycles need to accelerate to go up a hill at 50+ mph and tractor trailers full can make it?? I see it in front of my house all the time, the speed limit is 35 and bikes go well over that speed limit in fact they go by so fast you cant see the color of the bike yet tractor trailers make it up the hill. I have many friends who own bikes and have legitimate complaints about idiot drivers but there are idiot motorcyclists that are out there making it bad for those who are sensible.

frnchmn's picture

Idiocy is not limited to

Idiocy is not limited to motorcycles, idiocy runs the full gammet of all modes of transportation. Also to answer your question regarding trucks...its a physics thing...you know matter, gravity etc...its hard to accelerate a tractor trailor uphill, but they sure can do it going down hill.

Brain's picture

Slaughter continues

A culture driven to extinction. When will they learn... Sad

blue eyes's picture

The biker may have revved his

The biker may have revved his bike to alert the driver of the car? Well that's a new one! Isn't that what the horn is for? It isn't always the car/driver that is at fault when a motorcyclist is killed. And you most certainly can tell by sound if a motorcycle is going fast! Knowing the area of this KFC, the woman most likely didn't see this guy coming when she backed out. This area is like the Indy 500, with cars and bikers alike flying through here. Everyone is so quick to blame the car/driver when this kind of accident happens. Can't be the motorcyclist was actually going too fast and came out of no where. Then we have the acrobat on his Harley in Bridgeton. His stupidity leaves some heartbroken people behind.

blue eyes's picture

The biker may have revved his

The biker may have revved his bike to alert the driver of the car? Well that's a new one! Isn't that what the horn is for? It isn't always the car/driver that is at fault when a motorcyclist is killed. And you most certainly can tell by sound if a motorcycle is going fast! Knowing the area of this KFC, the woman most likely didn't see this guy coming when she backed out. This area is like the Indy 500, with cars and bikers alike flying through here. Everyone is so quick to blame the car/driver when this kind of accident happens. Can't be the motorcyclist was actually going too fast and came out of no where. Then we have the acrobat on his Harley in Bridgeton. His stupidity leaves some heartbroken people behind.

thinkingman's picture

tron, you are such an

[This comment has been removed by the administrator]

preaves's picture
staff

Bob, you know better.

thinkingman's picture

removed due to questioning

removed due to questioning someones sexuality? intelligence? or just using a quote thats disgusting but that you allowed him to leave on here?

preaves's picture
staff

Because your comments are

Because your comments are personal attacks on other commenters that have nothing to do with the story.

thinkingman's picture

hey Patti...pot to kettle

hey Patti...pot to kettle here, go look at the original post by tron and tell me how his comments at me had anything remotely to do with the story...his personal attack at me in the midst of the story was uncalled for but once again you allow a special set of rules for him? I just don;t get it, time to cancel my Sun Jounral subscription....

Joseph's picture
verified

As usual "thinker"

You're over reacting to tron's postings. And although It's clear that both you and he cannot be civil under any circumstances, you must admit you have (on occasion) elected to get into very personal and vitriolic arguments which have nothing to do with the subject at hand. In this case a tragic accident. Sorry he called you names "thinker" but I would have thought you'd be above such trivial jabs. Clearly not though it would seem. Yes, tron pokes at you purposely but in my opinion, it becomes embarrassing and obnoxious to read your petit wars play on through postings such as this. Clearly, you both have valuable things to contribute in these types of discussions but really now . . . can either of you back off and behave as mature adults? Surely you realize this?

thinkingman's picture

Joseph, while I respect your

Joseph, while I respect your request, some of trons postings go way beyond petty items and border on slander. I will defend my name, and that of my wife and children when this happens. You would do the same if it happened to you. Again, I've often offered a truce and told people I will onyl respond when he starts the crap, if he's gonna give it out he better be able to take it, but thena gaina s others can so clearly see here, the deck ain;t exactly stacked fair in lewiston Auburn when your a conservative.

lewistonauburnsucks's picture

This sure looks like the

This sure looks like the Lewiston Spin Journal has placed a forcefield and a special set of rules around Tron.

Bob-Woodbury's picture

dumb riders

Hey, You have one chance on a bike,
no horsing around, and slow down on your
flashly rocket bikes. Or, you could be like these
dumb riders!

frnchmn's picture

its comments like yours that

its comments like yours that exemplifies the depth and breath of your intelligence...bravo Mr. Woodbury for insulting the people who have passed away. What a proud moment that must be for you.

jeffyd's picture

responsibility

the person entering traffic has the responsibility to make sure the way is clear before entering the road. how can you people blame the biker? the Biker had the RIGHT OF WAY!! perhaps the biker reved his motor to get the ladys attention. bikes dont have horns. a reved motor dosent mean speed. no one said they saw him speeding they only said they heard his motor reved.

seekingthetruth's picture

jeffyd? Bikes don't have horns?

Since when? I thought horns were required.

Or is it that motorcycle horns are worth more in other states, and all the bikers here remove their horns and sell them on EBAY?

Former Maine-iac's picture
verified

horns

I haven't lived in Maine in about 10 years, when did they stop requiring motorcycles to have horns?

K0NPHL1C7's picture

Horns are required, but I'm

Horns are required, but I'm pretty sure a horn wouldn't have helped in this case. The lady pulled out right in front of him, that's pretty clear. He had no time to react.

concerned KD's picture

monday morning quarterback helps noone!

There are a lot of questions to be answered here, and I suspect none of those on here commenting are an accident recreation or investigative expert, so lets all just back off and let the experts sort out what happened....Stop laying blame and have some compasion for those involved.. This is a great tragedy for all involved and their families....Speed may or may not have been a factor but if there are no skid marks then we may never know.. The experts use those to measure approximate speed and stopping distance when the car may have pulled out.. However if there was no time to apply the brakes or the rider tried to speed up to get around the driver then there is going to be inconclusive evidence of fault.. That means that witnesses are the link to what may have happened.. Could it have been that the revving engine heard was the rider downshifting to try to slow down? maybe ,maybe not.. But noone here is qualified to make speculative accusations of who was at fault. So lets just express our sympathies for those left behind in this tragedy and use it as a learning experience for when we are on the road and need to look out for each other.. Theres plenty of road and no reason we cannot share it. remember this story next time we are riding or pulling out into traffic, look to see if its clear and then look again. And remember this woman has to live with being involved in this tragedy and im sure that if she could do it over she would have done differently and so would the rider...

frnchmn's picture

concerned KD...I

concerned KD...I wholeheartedly agree with your post...You are 100% correct in my opinion. Thank you for bringing this back down to reailty.

Bob-Woodbury's picture

re---spillity

reveing flashly sportbikes = SPEEDING

Bob-Woodbury's picture

re---spillity

reveing flashly sportbikes = SPEEDING

Bob-Woodbury's picture

re---spillity

reveing flashly sportbikes = SPEEDING

Bob-Woodbury's picture

re---spillity

reveing flashly sportbikes = SPEEDING

frnchmn's picture

so you are speaking from your

so you are speaking from your vast mechanical experience or your riding experience? Though there is another place youo could be speaking from.....but i will leave that one up to your imagination.

tron's picture

If he was only going 35mph, it is

entirely possible that that woman might NOT have seen him coming over the hill. It is a tricky spot to exit, always has been, and something should be done to fix it. I'm surprise booby isn't all over this, he lives in the neighborhood and should realize the dangers.

Joseph's picture
verified

Please tron . . .

Tron, I usually appreciate your comments but it's becoming very uncomfortable reading how you and "thinkingman" war back and forth. Although I realize that both you and he cannot get along in a civil manner, I for one, would like to respectfully ask that you dial it down a little. It's because I would prefer to read your comment regarding the subject, rather than the petit wars that you and "thinker" elect to play out in this forum. Just asking sir and I hope you understand.

thinkingman's picture

Joseph, I appreciate your

Joseph, I appreciate your concerns and have asked for a truce many times, but it seems to be of little avail. If he stops I have nothing to retort, simple as that.

Robert F.'s picture

And the same thing if you

And the same thing if you stop. If both of you always blame on the other and put the responsibility on the other to stop, then it never ends...
Frankly, your petty little grade school behavior is quite unattractive for two grown men.

frnchmn's picture

tron...first I want to

tron...first I want to commend you on not turning this into a political issue. This is a very sad story and people should be cognisant of the fact that family members may read these comments so please use some disgression.

I am very familiar with this area and have seen, first hand, 3 fatal accidents involving a car pulling out of McDonalds and a motorcycle hitting the car. Each time the first phrase I heard from the car driver was, "I never saw the motorcycle" I understand it since there are a ton of things going on (think sensory overload) at that intersection, cars going to I95, coming and going out of the Chalet Motel and other residential areas near by. These are the things I as a motorcycle rider keep in my mind as I ride through there.

Again, tron, I know we usually don't agree but keeping civility regarding this event is a good sign, and I thank you for that. So I will take a moment of silence for the people who lost their lives, and for those who were injured in these accidents.

thinkingman's picture

danny, when you're all done

danny, when you're all done crying to the newspaper, please check the official city records. You will find that while a councilor I twice worked on issues regarding signage and views on that area of Lisbon street, particularly Governors and KFC and changes were made as a result, and its not even in the ward i represented. Using the standard you just created I could ask the same of you in regards to a certain building where a young child was killed right? Thats been years in your neighborhood andyet you've done nothing when most people want the builing torn down due to what it represents. I hope this reposting will be more acceptable to the crack LSJ staff which must tire of your calls and emails to them.

tron's picture

First, I said NOTHING

to the newpaper, and since you won't believe me, call and ask.

There are two ways to improve the situation, take the grade down, which would be cost prohibited, or install a taffic signal and co-ordinate it with the lights on St. Croix and Scribner. Very cost effective, probably comparable to the signage and 'views' you did, and it might of saved a life. Not important to you, probably, but that's what a good councilor would do, whether it is in your ward or not.

thinkingman's picture

tron, the street is a state

tron, the street is a state maintained road - the state would need to set traffic lights decisions, not the city. The council cannot control those decisions but can only make recommendations which has been done on numerous occasions. Signage remains within the city but not the road itself or any traffic lights. You'd be better arguing with the state legislators rather than a city councilor on this one, but I know they are democrats and sacred to you. Portions of Main Street, Sabattus Street, Russell Street and even Ash and Pine are under the same jurisdiction. As to saving a life, I actually have - in fact the person wrote avery nice letter to the Maine Sportsman recognizing my actions.

K0NPHL1C7's picture

No, I don’t eat at KFC or

No, I don’t eat at KFC or Taco Bell, but regardless - The obstacles in no way remove fault of the driver. It is the driver pulling out’s responsibility to make sure the roadway is cleared of all all traffic before pulling out. She failed to do so, and this young man lost his life.

Again, the fact that he hit THE FRONT of her car, means he A.) Was already pretty close and B.) Likely did not have time to react to the situation.

People are so quick to blame the possibly “speeding” motorist, but the fact is, regardless of how fast he may have been going, it was up to HER when pulling onto a public road to ensure the road was clear, not his.

verified

Heart goes out ...

Such a shame , my heart goes out to this man and his family. I hope that bikers will realize how easily this tragedy can occur. I can not believe what kind of driving I am seeing in lewiston auburn these days. Souped up trucks and cars speeding and maneuvering like a chase going on every day.

Can someone tell me why the police patrol and sit for speeders on streets like webster st near the pond, where there is hardly anyone there but a duck maybe? There they get you for speeding 40 in a 30mph. Why aren't they sitting in this location or on sabattus st near holy family church before something else happens like this.

God Bless

Mainer1222's picture

Loud doesn't always mean

Loud doesn't always mean fast......

Patrick-Lewiston's picture

Act Responsibly

KONPHL1C7, ever pulled out of that KFC parking lot? Between the sign posts and the trees you can't see a thing coming down Lisbon Street. Drivers of all types of transportation -- cars, motorcycles, bicycles -- all need to be responsible drivers. A motorcyclist has no more right than any other driver to speed, if indeed that was the case. They choose to drive motorcycles and with that like any other vehicle, comes responsibility. The problem here isn't age or speed, it's accountability and responsibility. Driving is a privilege on a motorcycle or in a car. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the young man that died needlessly last night as well as the driver of the car.

candiceanne's picture

Why not just state the fact

In the case of the Lewiston accident why not just state the fact, this is yet another case of a driver of a car or truck not looking or being careless and pulling out in front of a motorcycle or turning in front of a motor cycle causing injury or in this case killing the motorcyclist. Again the motorcyclist had the right of way and again the motorcyclist gets clobered by a careless driver and the reporter/newspaper, next they or their surviving family will get shafted in court by lawyers and insurance companies. I know first hand.

veritas's picture
verified

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preaves's picture
staff

This comment was removed for

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K0NPHL1C7's picture

"Heard the motorcycle going

"Heard the motorcycle going fast"

Have they positively released the speed of the motorcycle yet? Doesn't appear to be so. You can't just hear a bike and assume they are "going fast." As for "vindicating the poor person who got nailed" - The lady should not have pulled out, period. Regardless of how fast the rider may or may not have been going, you do NOT pull out in front of a motorcycle, EVER. That is how people die.

Another rider fell victim to the poor judgment of an elderly driver.

TREEHUGGARRR's picture

The lady should not have pulled out?

[This comment has been removed by the administrator]

veritas's picture
verified

“We could hear him opening the bike up, just wind it,” he said.

Who said they "Heard the motorcycle going fast?' - You made that one up, J.P.

The quote from the article is above - speed and acceleration are two different things, and neither to excess allow a cyclist ample control in an urban setting where other drivers or pedestrians (including children) may dart out in front of one.

Though she may have exercised contributory negligence, he failed to have his cycle under his control. And we know how he paid for that.

K0NPHL1C7's picture

"People near the crash scene

"People near the crash scene said they heard the motorcycle going fast, then heard the crash."

Quote.

He very well could have had his bike under complete control. When someone pulls out in front of you, sometimes there is nothing you can do. He very well could have "opened it up" to about 35 miles-per-hour.

He hit the front side of her car. If he had hit the rear-end of her car, I would say that perhaps he was a bit down the road travelling at a high rate of speed, and he didn’t have control. But he hit the front side. She poked her front end out right in front of him, and he didn’t have time to do anything. That’s pretty clear.

The majority of fault lies in the driver who made the choice to pull out in front of a motorist without giving them adequate time to slow down. She did not ensure the roadway was clear before pulling out.

Enoch's picture

Loud Pipes

Thank goodness for loud pipes... there they go saving lives again... (well in the case maybe saving a lawsuit?) seems more witnesses "heard" the motorcyclist revving up to the max in the KFC crash than ever saw him! There will hopefully be enough testimony to vindicate the poor person exiting KFC who got nailed! As for the other guy in Bridgton... if I had been behind him, I would have surely stopped, and his last vision would have been of me applauding.

deimos's picture

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deimos's picture
verified

what was so bad about that

what was so bad about that comment?

preaves's picture
staff

This comment was removed for

This comment was removed for violating our commenting policy.

Gary52's picture

Maybe the victim in the

Maybe the victim in the Bridgton crash was Loonie also. Very needless way to die. Too bad for their families and other loved ones that are left to mourn.

xyz's picture

Louder pipes...

Yeah that's what is needed not common sense, which it sounds like these guys were totally lacking. Sorry for the families, but sorriest for the innocent ones hurt by these shenanigans.

yankees1974's picture
verified

Name not being released

The victims name is not being released but the name of someone in his party's is? Should not be too hard to figure out who he is (for those they knew he was going for the ride with these friends)

Brain's picture

James Een

according to wmtw news report

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