ST. GEORGE — A motorcyclist sustained head trauma in an incident involving another motorcyclist during a group ride on state Route 18 around noon on Saturday. Neither motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, officers said.
File photo of motorcycles are parked on the side of the highway for illustration purposes, Washington County, Utah, May 21, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
The crash occurred at a bend in the road as part of a larger group ride heading north near mile marker 35 on SR-18. Washington County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Lucas Alfred told St. George News that deputies on the scene reported that the crash happened when the front motorcycle rider in the group began slowing down, preparing for a bend in the road.
The second motorcycle, which was following closely, did not notice the slowdown in time to react. Minor contact between the two bikes caused the crash.
The rider on the rear motorcycle suffered injuries to the head and the collision resulted in a compound fracture in one of his arms, Alfred said. The patient was transported with “large contusions and abrasions on his head and a possible skull fracture.”
“Before Mercy Air or Life Flight could respond, medical crews canceled their response and took him by ground,” Alfred said.
The patient was transported by Gold Cross Ambulance to St. George Regional Hospital. The front motorcyclist did not suffer any significant injuries, Alfred said. Neither of the riders were wearing helmets.
“Helmets save lives,” Sgt. Alfred said. “We urge everybody to wear them. They’re very, very important.”
Authorities do not believe speed was a factor in this incident, although the investigation is ongoing.
This report is based on statements from court records, police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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