Motorcyclist Dead After Collision With Deputy
Associated Press - Sun 08:22 AM 08/19/2012
Vehicle's full lights and sirens were on when deputy hit motorcycle from behind
A southwest Missouri man is dead after his motorcycle was hit from behind by a Newton County deputy who was responding to an emergency call.
33-year-old Cory Sheppard was southbound on Gateway Drive about a mile south of Joplin when Sgt. David Trimble struck him from behind just before 9 p.m. Friday.
Sheriff Ken Copeland says Trimble was driving with his vehicle's full lights and sirens on when he hit Sheppard's motorcycle. Trimble, a nine-year veteran of the department, has been placed on paid administrative leave, but Copeland says the incident looks like a tragic accident.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
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Associated Press Information from: The Joplin Globe
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tmomma
Sunday 19 August 2012 10:00 Report this comment
I'm confused as to why motorcycles are legal. 1. You're not required to wear a helmet if you're 18yrs & older 2. Your entire body is exposed to the possibility of injury. 3. The sound of a motorcycle is offensive 4. A lot of the drivers think they own the road by weaving in & out of cars 5.They are hard to spot when changing lanes. Bottom line is I think that they are VERY unsafe! It amazes how we are required by law to wear a seatbelt & strap our toddlers in a carseat but yet a motorcyclist does not have to wear a helmet. Explain that one!
tmomma
Sunday 19 August 2012 10:04 Report this comment
In addition to this comment, I would like to add that I am very sorry for the loss of this young mans life and the sadness his family is experiencing. My thoughts & prayers for you all. It's just that I have seen a lot in the news lately in regards to motorcycle wrecks & I just think motorcycles aren't safe.
surviver000
Sunday 19 August 2012 11:06 Report this comment
This is to tmomma: I am a motorcycle rider, I obey the laws that are set in place for all motor vehicles. If a state requires me to wear a helmet then I do. It is my choice to ride to wear a helmet. The point of this article is not about the motorcyclist but about him being rear ended by an emergency vehicle going at (I am sure well above the posted speed limit), in Kansas emergency vehicles can go 20 miles over the posted speed limit any more then that the driver is responsible. I have seen a law enforcement car (not even on duty) hit an ambulance that had full light and siren going through a red light with caution. The chief of police and sheriff stated that just because an emergency has light and siren does not give them full control of the road. They still have to obey the LAWS like everyone else! I am sorry for the families loss of this young man.
tmomma
Sunday 19 August 2012 11:17 Report this comment
Yes I realize what the article is about. This is the 4th article I've read about accidents in the last 10 days in or arround the surrounding area that is related to a motorcycle. My friends 17 yr old daughter had to witness the results of a motorcycle accident by doing chest compressions for almost an hour on a lady that died from injuries sustained while operating a motorcycle last week.(the accident was not her fault - the driving did not see her when going into the right lane) I realize that any means of transportation can result in injury or death. However, I have questioned the laws & safety regarding motorcycles for some time now. I love that you are a motorcyclist that drives responsibally but I'm still not a fan and never will be. Be safe!
passing_by
Sunday 19 August 2012 17:17 Report this comment
Such a tragic story! To tmomma, I have ridden for nearly 40 years, and ride responsibly and obey all traffic laws. Yes, a person's body is full exposed, and yes, they can be dangerous. A person always has to ride defensively. If my life ends while I am enjoying another ride on my bike, know that I died happy. As they saying goes, "if I have to explain, you wouldn't understand."
willie
Sunday 19 August 2012 20:54 Report this comment
tmomma I understand your feelings about motorcycles. Just a note to you that in some states helmets are required. If I read the article correctly the accident happened in MO. where helmets are required. Helmets like seat belts can help you survive an accident but do not always protect you enough and some fatalities occur. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved in this tragedy.