Over the weekend the Madison Police Department responded to a reported vehicle crash involving several vehicles and motorcycles on Highway 463 near Fairfield Drive.
The driver of a Chevrolet pickup was traveling west on Highway 463 and four motorcyclists were traveling east on Highway 463. The pickup truck veered into the east bound lane and struck several of the motorcyclists on Highway 463.
58 year-old Jack Harper and 65 year-old Robert Lenoir, both of Jackson, were pronounced dead on the scene as a result of this collision.
One of the motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was transported to UMMC for medical treatment. The other motorcyclist sustained minor injuries and was not transported from the scene of the collision.
The Madison Police Department said the accident remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.
As cases like this happen often, MDOT urges you to be cautious of your surroundings. They have provided tips for not only motorcyclists, but drivers behind the wheel too.
How to prevent a possible fatal crash with a motorcycle:
- Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
- Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
- Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
- Always allow more follow distance – three to four seconds – when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
- Never drive distracted or impaired.
Tips for motorcyclists:
- Wear a DOT- compliant helmet and other protective gear.
- Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
- Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
- Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
- Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
- Never ride distracted or impaired.
