WARM WEATHER BRINGS MOTORCYCLES OUT - PLEASE BE SURE TO PAY ATTENTION!

On Wednesday, October 21st, 2020, Manheim Township Police were dispatched to three (3) separate motorcycle crashes within three (3) hours of each other.  In each of these crashes, actions from automobile drivers directly contributed to the motorcycles being struck, and the riders sustaining injuries.  Similarly, in each of the crashes, the other drivers failed to see the motorcycles as they were driving upon the roadway.

Crash #1: At approximately 2:19 p.m., a motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Route 30, near Fruitville Pike.  A tractor trailer began to change lanes, entering the lane already occupied by the motorcycle.  The motorcyclist had to take evasive action, by abruptly changing into another lane.  As the motorcyclist did so, they struck a second tractor trailer operating in the adjacent lane.  The motorcyclist sustained minor injuries which were treated at the scene.  Damage sustained to the motorcycle required it to be towed from the scene.

Crash #2: At approximately 2:20 p.m., a motorcycle was traveling southbound on Oregon Pike at East Oregon Road.  A vehicle stopped at the stop sign on East Oregon Road was waiting to turn north onto Oregon Pike.  A different vehicle traveling southbound in front of the motorcycle, turned west onto East Oregon Road.  The vehicle at the stop sign then began to make its left turn and collided with the motorcycle, causing the rider to be thrown from the vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle stated they did not see the motorcyclist as it was driving south on Oregon Pike.  The motorcyclist sustained critical injuries and required hospitalization.  The motorcycle was completely destroyed.  Oregon Pike was closed for several hours.

Crash #3: At approximately 5:27 p.m. and a mere few moments after the above crash was cleared, a motorcycle was traveling southbound on Oregon Pike at Creek Road.  This location is less than one mile south of Crash #2.  A vehicle stopped at the stop sign on Creek Road and facing east, was waiting to cross Oregon Pike to continue traveling on Creek Road.  A different vehicle traveling southbound in front of the motorcycle, turned west onto Creek Road.  The vehicle at the stop sign then began to cross Oregon Pike and collided with the motorcycle, causing the rider to strike the motorcycle windshield, and fall to the ground.  The motorcyclist sustained moderate injuries and required transportation to a local hospital.  Damage sustained to the motorcycle required it to be towed from the scene.

For each of these crashes that occurred, the other drivers involved claimed to not be able to see the motorcycles driving upon the roadway.  Please remember to look twice!  It enhances defensive driving and could potentially avoid a disaster.

MEDIA POST CONTACT: Sergeant Michael T. Piacentino, W: 717-569-6401 Ext: 1583, C: 717-340-2130, piacentinom@manheimtownshippolice.org