FORT DODGE, Iowa – On Tuesday afternoon near Fort Dodge, a motorcyclist lost his life in a collision with a truck. Authorities have identified the victim as 74-year-old Daniel Brown.
The incident occurred at the Johnson Avenue and Highway 20 intersection, where an eastbound 2018 Indian motorcycle, operated by Mr. Brown, collided with a 2010 International straight truck.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the truck, traveling southbound on Johnson Avenue and in the process of crossing Highway 20, failed to yield the right of way to Mr. Brown’s motorcycle, resulting in the tragic collision.
Mr. Brown succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
No further information was immediately available.
More Safety Measures Need to Take Place to Protect Motorcyclists from Fatal Accidents
Riding a motorcycle can be one of the most carefree experiences but also one of the most dangerous. Motorcycle road collisions continue to account for a large percentage of vehicle crash fatalities. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2021, close to 6,100 motorcyclists got killed in a motorcycle collision, accounting for 14 percent of all vehicle crash deaths. Even one death is too many.
While the causes of these fatal accidents vary, these fatalities often result from vehicles, like large trucks (that weigh over 35,000 pounds), failing to practice extreme caution, or driving carelessly next to motorcycles. This is unacceptable.
Truck drivers must drive with the safety of all types of vehicles in mind. Failure to do so can result in disaster. Truck drivers who fail to exercise caution, for whatever reason, must be held accountable when their actions result in the death of a motorcyclist.
Trucking companies also must ensure their drivers follow rules and procedures that limit the risk of danger to motorcycles on the roadway. These rules and procedures are outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, as well as the Texas Commercial Driver Handbook. One of the primary areas of training truckers must be provided is blind spots. Motorcycles are small, blind spots are big. However, blind spots and lack of visibility are no excuse for pulling out in front of a motorcycle. Trucking companies must ensure their drivers take time to check all surroundings before proceeding to avoid accidents.
This accident will need to be investigated to determine exactly what happened. Once wrongdoing has been identified, all parties bearing fault must be held accountable to ensure such actions are not repeated in the future. By holding people accountable for their actions, innocent lives are saved.
Until then, I offer my condolences to the Brown family during this difficult time of loss.
