Motorcyclist counting blessings after tangle with semitrailer

ST. GEORGE — Collisions between motorcycles and semitrailers do not usually turn out well for the motorcyclist. One rider walked away a lucky man Thursday after an incident with a semitrailer on Hilton Drive in St. George caused him to lay his bike down.

A motorcyclist sits next to his damaged bike after an incident with a semitrailer, St. George, Utah, Thursday, May 28, 2015 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News
A motorcyclist sits next to his damaged bike after an incident with a semitrailer, St. George, Utah, May 28, 2015 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News

The semitrailer driver was traveling east on Hilton Drive, signaling his intention to turn and swinging wide to make a left turn into the construction area at Indian Hills Drive, St. George Police Officer Tyrell Bangerter said.

As the truck driver was starting to make his left-hand turn, a motorcyclist, also traveling east, had begun passing him. The motorcycle rider swerved, grabbed the brake and laid his bike down. As the bike went down, it slid and struck the semitrailer.

The motorcyclist was checked out by medics at the scene but refused transport to the hospital. Road rash was evident on his left elbow and side. However, he was up and walking around, and Bangerter said he was very lucky, as he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

A semitrailer sits on Indian Hills Drive after an incident with a motorcyclist, St. George, Utah, Thursday, May 28, 2015 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News
A semitrailer sits on Indian Hills Drive after an incident with a motorcyclist, St. George, Utah, May 28, 2015 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News

Damage to the semitrailer was limited to a small scratch on the side of the trailer, Bangerter said, but the motorcycle sustained moderate damage.

The motorcycle rider was issued a citation for lane travel violations, Bangerter said.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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2 Comments

  • Missy May 28, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    The blinky thing, means turning.

    • Jon R Cocktoasten May 29, 2015 at 12:06 pm

      Yes, it does! But, it doesn’t mean you can just turn into the path of someone else!!! Thinky while you blinky!!!

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