Vancouver, Washington – One Person Killed, One Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Vancouver, Washington (April 9, 2020) – A woman was killed and a man was injured in a motorcycle crash that occurred on Northeast Ward Road, north of the intersection of Northeast 76th Street on Thursday night. According to the article from KATU 2 News, 52 year-old Elizabeth Dunlap from Vancouver was ejected from her vehicle after she struck the curb at the median. She was reported to have died on the scene. Erik Bash, who was riding on another motorcycle, struck Dunlap’s motorcycle and was injured in the crash.

The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. Deputies believe that the two riders were heading north on North Ward Road. Dunlap, who was riding ahead, approached a curve in the road, but she continued riding straight and ended up striking the curb of the median, making her lost control and ejecting her from the vehicle. Dunlap’s motorcycle was left in the roadway, causing Bash to crash into it. When deputies arrived, Dunlap was already unresponsive.

About Motorcycle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion for the friends and loved ones of the victim. Because of a motorcycle’s open nature, the risks of injuries are greater to a person on a motorcycle than a person in a car. Head injuries are common in motorcycle accidents of all kinds, as are limb injuries. Much like any other vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents can easily come out of lapse of attention and careless maneuvers.  It is important to always observe proper driving and consideration for other vehicles, something which all motorcycle drivers should keep in mind as 3/4 of motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. This is most likely due to a motorcycle’s overall visibility being less than most other vehicles, which means drivers of other vehicles tend not to see motorcycles in time.  This visibility problem makes motorcycle rides at night especially risky. Additionally, the stationary objects most often struck off-road are trees, utility poles, and traffic barriers, and driving in poor visibility conditions such as nighttime and unfavorable weather can increase the risks of collision with one of the objects mentioned above.

While motorcycles are a much-depended means of transportation, drivers should consider factors such as speed, number of other vehicles on the road, the road conditions and weather to ensure their safety while out and about. Be especially cautious when driving at night, as with any other vehicle. Any mistakes in judgement can lead to accidents, injuries and damage not only to your person, but on other people as well.

[cta]