Motorcyle Accident Closes I-86 Off Ramp
Walworth Man In Critical Condition After CrashBy Robert Rizzuto rrizzuto@post-journal.com
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FALCONER - An afternoon accident left one man in critical condition Tuesday after his motorcycle went off the road on Interstate 86.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Howard L. Veater, 51, of 2820 Ontario Center Road, Walworth, N.Y., was driving westbound when he attempted to navigate exit 13 at Falconer and his motorcycle left the road, Town of Ellicott Police said.
Speed wasn't a factor, according to officers, who said Veater's physical condition deteriorated drastically within moments of their arrival.
''At first, he was able to speak with us, but it wasn't long before he was losing consciousness,'' an officer on the scene said. ''He was taken by Starflight to (Erie County Medical Center).''
Exit 13 was closed for more than a half an hour. Falconer Fire and Rescue crews along with the Ellicott Police were first responders, and supported by New York State Police.
Tuesday's accident highlights what Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace said is an increasing trend of motorcycle accidents, both locally and on the national level.
''It's a growing problem as motorcycles become more popular,'' he said. ''All drivers should drive defensively, especially those on motorcycles.''
Gerace said that driver error and automobile drivers are the biggest threats to motorcycles on the road, and that everyone can take actions to be more careful.
''One of the biggest dangers is not seeing a motorcycle on the roadway,'' he said. ''Being visible is essential.''
He said that motorcycle riders should drive on the road as if they are invisible to other drivers, using an extreme level of defense to make sure they are seen.
Gerace said that bright-colored clothing or reflective strips are a good bet, especially at night. He also said that ensuring the headlight is working and bright enough to be seen at a distance is important.
''Flashing the brake light before stopping can be helpful,'' he added.
Joe Basinait, sales manager at Harley-Davidson of Jamestown, agreed with Gerace, and explained that he takes actions when riding his motorcycle to make sure he is seen.
''If I end up in a traffic snarl or stuck between two cars, I'll turn off on a side road just to get out of it,'' he said. ''I'd rather take a couple of minutes to let the congestion pass so I can go on enjoying my ride.''
He also said that when passing through intersections, he takes extra precautions to make sure he is seen.
''If you just go straight through, other drivers might not see you,'' he said. ''But if you move back and forth a little, and even flash your headlights, whatever it takes to be seen, you have a much better chance.''
Basinait also said that wearing proper gear can make a huge difference with the outcome of an accident.
''Wearing a helmet properly and some good leather gear is really the only way to go,'' he said. ''Good gear is really worth the investment, but it's only good if you wear it.''
Automobile drivers should also keep extra distance between their vehicle and a motorcycle for a couple of reasons, according to the Sheriff.
''Motorists need to understand that they can't judge a motorcycle's speed the same as a car,'' he said. ''They can start and stop much faster, so we recommend that people take that into consideration when they see one on the road.''
Gerace said that small road hazards such as a pot hole or an animal in the roadway can be a life or death situation to a person on a motorcycle, and people need to be conscious of that fact.
Basinait said that Harley-Davidson of Jamestown holds regular safety-training courses, and that anyone interested should call the shop at 484-0113 for more information.
