OFF THE WIRE
http://www.whotv.com/news/who-story-motorcycle-ax-09132010,0,6513280.story ROAD DANGER: After a rash of motorcycle accidents riders say motorists are to blame The number of motorcycle deaths this year is on pace to beat last year Emily Carlson Reporter 4:56 PM CDT, September 13, 2010
Four accidents in less than a week have some motorcyclists in the metro pretty mad. They say drivers aren't looking out and they're the ones paying the price. Police have another view.
Motorcycle accidents are up this year and more people are getting hurt or killed. Last year, 53 Iowans died in motorcycle accidents. This year there's already been 47 deaths and there's still plenty of riding season to go.
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Chris Nowak was out enjoying a beautiful fall day, when he heard a crash that echoed through the neighborhood. A chill went through his spine when he saw a motorcycle lying on the pavement. The same exact accident just happened to him.
"I looked right at him. When he turned he was not looking at me he was looking left or right. I knew right them something was going to happen."
Last week, Chris broke his leg in two places and now he's out of work until surgery. He says the driver of Monday's motorcycle suffered even more severe injuries. Both were t-boned as a motorist was making a left turn. Chris blames the drivers of both cars.
"I believe it's more the driver's responsibility to look out for the motorcycle because they're going to cause the most damage."
However, Des Moines police say drivers aren't the only ones at fault.
"Don't make the assumption the driver sees you. If they make eye contact it doesn't mean they see you. Motorcyclists bear some of the responsibility too," says Sgt. Jeff Edwards of the Des Moines Police Department.
The Iowa DOT says 40 percent of motorcycle fatalities happened as motorists are making an illegal turn. However, 60 percent happen when the motorcycle is speeding or loses control.
"You have to drive defensively. Assume someone will do something to you. Leave an out and avoid situations you may get hurt."
Sgt. Edwards says motorcyclists should wear bright clothing, ride the speed limit and "be predictable" when they're on their bike. He says motorists should give motorcyclists plenty of room, and both should drive defensively.
