A motorcycle was cruising through a quiet country road when a tractor-trailer appeared backing out from a driveway. The motorcyclist applied heavy braking resulting in the motorcycling laying down on its side and separating from the rider. Both the motorcycle and the rider slid across the opposing lane and suffered from injury and damages associated with the slide.
Investigation of the accident determined the motorcycle left skid and gouge marks indicating it had lost control and laid down on its side due to locking the rear wheel. Reconstructing the speed and positioning of the motorcycle throughout the accident determined that had the motorcyclist applied reasonable braking to both the front and rear brakes at the position of the rear wheel lock up, the motorcycle could have come to a controlled stop safely before reaching the driveway with the tractor trailer. Also of interest, it was further determined that the rear of the tractor never blocked the thru path of the motorcycle, and had the motorcycle simply maintained speed and position it would have safely passed the trailer without incident.
This case, as many others, indicate the importance of early documentation of an accident scene and thorough consideration of the many factors involved prior to reaching early conclusions.
