Barbour County, WV Motorcycle Collisions send 3 to Area Hospitals

Two seperate motorcycle collisions over the weekend in Barbour County have sent three people to area hospitals.  The first collision occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Stringtown Road off of Route 92 in Belington.  Barbour County Sheriff, John Hawkins, said the collision occurred when a man driving a pickup truck pulled out in front of a motorcycle.  The driver of the motorcycle was taken by ambulance to Davis Memorial Hospital, while his female passenger was life-flighted by Healthnet to Ruby Memorial Hospital.

The second motor cycle collision occurred around 7:15 p.m., at the intersection of Route 38 and Tacy Road in Moatsville.  Sheriff Hawkins said an Ohio driver operating a car pulled out in front of a Barbour County resident on a motorcycle.  The driver of the motorcycle was life-flighted to Ruby Memorial Hospital.  It is uncertain as to what charges may be filed in either collision. 

With warmer weather, motorcyclists will be more prevalent on our West Virginia roadways.  Car operators should be aware of the following in order to reduce motorcycle collisions:

• Give motorcycles room.  Never attempt to share a lane with one.
• Check for motorcycles in your blind spot before changing lanes as they are more difficult to see than a car.
• Always stay at least three to four second behind a motorcycle.  Motorcycles accelerate, maneuver, and stop quicker than a car and are also more sensitive to road surface changes.
• Be extra cautious on weekends, when motorcycles tend to be on the road.

As the summer heats up, be on the lookout for motorcyclists and share the road with them.