1620 5th AvenueIrvine resident Julie Faith Fortier, 39, died in a motorcycle accident, according to CBS 8 News in San Diego. Fortier was riding on the back of her husband’s motorcycle on Highway 78 just east of Julian at the time of the crash.
According to reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), another motorcycle swiped into Fortier’s husband’s bike. The accident occurred on a curve in the highway along the Banner Grade when Fortier’s husband’s bike crossed over the center line. The other rider suffered injuries.
According to a study from the University of Southern California, 50 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents involved another vehicle. Seventy-eight percent of the motorcycles involved were struck from the front, and only 5 percent were struck from behind. Speeding was cited as a factor in 36 percent of the fatal motorcycle accidents. To compare, speed was listed a factor in 24 percent of fatal car accidents, 19 percent of fatal light truck accidents and 8 percent of fatal large truck accidents. The same study revealed that motorcycle helmet use decreased from 71 percent in 2000 to 58 percent in 2007.
These are some eye-opening statistics. Motorcyclists need to keep this in mind and remember to wear helmets and obey all traffic laws.
Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego wrongful death attorney.
1620 5th Avenue