Around 1:15PM on Sunday, August 3, a roadway hazard led to a serious accident involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck in Washington County. As a 2011 Harley Davidson approached Lick Skillet on Route 185, the rider began slowing in response to the hazard. A Ford F-150 following behind failed to stop in time and rear-ended the motorcycle. The rider, a 63-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries and was life-flighted to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities confirmed she was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, which likely helped prevent fatal head trauma.
This incident underscores the increased vulnerability of motorcyclists, particularly in multi-vehicle crashes. Even when helmets are worn, riders face a heightened risk of injury due to the lack of external protection and the challenge of being seen by other drivers. It is a shared responsibility—drivers must maintain safe following distances and stay attentive, especially around motorcycles that may stop or slow more quickly than expected. Likewise, roadway maintenance and debris removal play a key role in preventing the chain of events that can lead to tragic outcomes like this.