There are many different things that cause motor vehicle accidents. While most accidents we discuss on this blog are due to actions taken by drivers, there are things that cause accidents that are not the fault of drivers. This is what happened in an accident earlier this month when a 44-year-old police officer suffered fatal injuries when involved in a motorcycle accident with a deer in Westmoreland County. The Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, officer was motoring on Route 51 when the deer unexpectedly crossed his path after midnight.
The Jefferson Hills veteran officer was flown to Allegheny General Hospital where he died around 10 hours after the crash. The Allegheny County medical examiner listed the cause of death as "blunt force trauma to the head and trunk." The officer was married with six children.
The 17-year veteran of the force was recently assigned to South Park after previously functioning as a narcotics officer. Although there has been an alarming rise in car accidents involving motorcycles and bicycles, in recent years, it may be difficult to include this particular tragic incident in those statistics.
Allegheny County executives formally issued their deepest sympathies to the officer's family and friends. County leaders made a point of stating that their "thoughts and prayers are with his six children as they struggle with this loss." A police department official characterized this tragedy as "a big loss for us."
Well-liked and respected by his fellow officers, the victim was apparently willing to take on any duties needed to get the job done. Found by a passerby as he was lying in the roadway, the officer was not on duty at the time of the crash. He apparently lost control of his motorcycle after colliding with the deer. Unfortunately, the victim was not wearing a helmet. It is unknown whether this contributed to the severity of his injuries.
Do you have any suggestions for greater rider safety to prevent future motorcycle encounters with wildlife? Given the unpredictable actions of deer and other animals, is there really any way to better protect drivers and riders from these types of accidents?
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Allegheny County police officer dies from crash injuries," Karen Kane, Sept. 2, 2012