A motorcycle can be an exhilarating mode of transportation, but motorcycle accidents are more common, and often more deadly than other vehicle accidents. Motorcyclists are particularly susceptible to head injuries in accidents, mainly because even if they are wearing a helmet, there is nothing surrounding them to absorb some of the crash impact. Road rash is another common motorcycle accident injury and occurs when a driver or passenger slides across the pavement, causing severe abrasions to the skin. This can be avoided by wearing proper protective clothing. Arm and leg injuries are also common, because like with head injuries, there is no structure providing protection around the operator.
WTXL reports that a Suwannee County Public Safety Director was killed in a motorcycle crash.
On Tuesday night in Lake City, Suwannee County Public Safety Director James Sommers was killed in a motorcycle accident.
The accident took place at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday at the intersection of SW Pinemount Road and U.S. Highway 90 just west of Interstate 10.
Florida Highway Patrol Troopers report that Sommers was heading east on US Highway 90 when a Ford Expedition made a left turn in front of his motorcycle. The front of Sommer’s motorcycle crashed into the side of the Ford.
Sommers was rushed to the Lake City Medical Center where staff pronounced him deceased.
Sommers, 40, had been serving as the Public Safety Director for the past seven years. Prior to his service as the Public Safety Director he had been serving with Suwannee County Fire Rescue.
The accident is still under investigation and charges against the driver are pending.