Motorcyclist is run over by truck/NY

[PeteSC]

Motorcyclist is run over by truck
 
A tragic accident in the Town of Crawford this morning claimed the life of a 50-year-old Pine Bush man. State Police at Middletown reported that a motorcyclist identified as Andrew DeWitt, was at the intersection of Orange County Route 48 and Dunthorne Road shortly before 7:30 a.m.

An unknown garbage truck was apparently in front of him and police theorize that driver missed a turn was backed up, running over and killing DeWitt.

Police are trying to locate the commercial vehicle and are asking for help from the public. If anyone was in the area or observed something this morning, they are urged to call State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300.





 




Not sure how to avoid this.  Most large trucks have blind spots directly behind them.   Even if you beeped your horn, as the guy started backing up, the driver may not have heard the bike.
  Keep your distance from the back of large vehicles, trucks...buses, etc.
  Particularily in urban settings, you never know when the truck is positioning itself to back into a loading dock, or a loading zone.
   Give big stuff that can really hurt you extra space.  Try to position yourself in the mirrors of the truck.   Don't pull up close on the arse of a large truck/bus, in the center.   They can't see you...
If you can't see their mirrors....they can't see you....IF they bother to look!

[Tundrahog]

This happened to me a couple years ago.  Came up over a rise to find a dump truck stopped in the road.  I got stopped but then the back-up lights came on.    Luckilly I managed to crank the handle bars and head for the ditch.  I ended up jumping off the bike and got away with out any major damage to me or my bike.  I agree with Paul be aware of where you are around large vehicles and also have an escape route planned.

[Red01]

I agree with Paul be aware of where you are around large vehicles and also have an escape route planned.

Paul didn't say anything...  

[PeteSC]

Friday, November 4, 2005

 
 
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Man indicted for backing over motorcyclist, killing him
 
An Orange County grand jury yesterday indicted Charles McClure, 43, of Montgomery with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting it.

It is alleged that on September 7, McClure was operating a large truck in the Town of Crawford and when he missed a turn, he backed the vehicle up, running over and killing Andrew DeWitt, who was riding a motorcycle and stopped behind the truck, said District Attorney Frank Phillips.

McClure was arrested the following day by State Police.