Motorcyclist in critical condition after Fenwick Island crash

A motorcyclist was seriously injured on Sunday, after a crash in Fenwick Island.

Delaware State Police say on Sunday just before 10:30 OM, 23-year-old Cody Becker, of Manchester, Maryland was riding a 2005 Honda CBR1000 motorcycle northbound on Dukes Avenue. At the same time, Police say 38-year-old Timothy Munro was driving a 2006 Honda Ridgeline, eastbound on Lighthouse Road, approaching the intersection with Dukes Avenue.

According to the report, as the Ridgeline made its way through the intersection, the motorcycle tried to make a left turn, and hit the front right side of the truck, in the intersection. Police say Becker was ejected from the motorcycle, and landed in the intersection, while the pick-up truck pulled over onto the shoulder of Lighthouse Road, east of the intersection.

Becker was apparently wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and was air-lifted from the scene by Delaware State Police Aviation to Christiana Medical Center, where he is currently listed in critical condition. Munro was reportedly wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash, and was uninjured.

The DSP Collision Reconstruction Unit says they are continuing their investigation into this incident, and that no charges have been filed. Lighthouse Road and Dukes Avenue were reportedly closed for about three hours, while the crash was investigated and cleared. Investigators are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Master Corporal K. Argo at 302-703-3264 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Tips can also be sent through the Tip Submit website, or by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Delaware State Police released the following tips, for drivers:
With warmer weather fast approaching, more motorcycles are back out on the road and the drivers of passenger vehicles need to be alert.  Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle on the roadway. Drivers of passenger vehicles should always remember to follow these steps to help keep motorcyclists safe:

• 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.

 
State Police say Motorcyclists have responsibilities too, by following the rules of the road and not speeding or weaving in and out of traffic.  Be alert to other drivers and always wearing protective gear including high visibility outerwear.

Too often in a crash, the drivers of other vehicles involved say they never saw the motorcyclist and failed to respond in time.  This is no excuse.  Too many lives are lost for not checking twice. 

In 2014 motorcycles were involved in 398 crashes, 12 of them being fatal, 232 of them resulting in personal injuries, and 89 being property damage.  In 2015 motorcycles were involved in 402 crashes, 20 of them were fatal, 209 of them were personal injuries, and 106 were property damage.  The remainders of the crashes for both years were a result of minor or non-reportable crashes.

Our message to ALL drivers is this; Help make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase. “Share the Road” with motorcycles and “Look Twice.”