Date: August 1, 2009

Location: State Road 40, Duchesne County

Type: Utah motorcycle accident, Utah fatal accident

 

The Salt Lake Tribune reported on a tragic motorcycle accident that occurred this past weekend.  46-year-old David Hepworth was riding his 2002 Honda motorcycle on State Road 40 Saturday afternoon just outside Fruitland.  According to Utah Highway Patrol, he tried to make a U-turn from the shoulder of the road, but turned in front of Pontiac Grand Prix.  The driver of the Pontiac was unable to avoid Hepworth, and crashed into him.  Hepworth was thrown from his motorcycle and died at the scene.  He was not wearing a helmet.  We offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Hepworth’s family and friends as they mourn their tragic loss.

 

Utah helmet laws do not require motorcycle operators over the age of 18 to wear a helmet.  However, a helmet can easily become a matter of life or death.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets saved 1158 lives in 2003, and could have saved another 640 lives had the deceased been wearing helmets.  In all, helmets reduce the risk of fatality by 29% and are 67% effective in preventing traumatic brain injuries.  If you have been injured in a Utah motorcycle accident, call the expert Utah injury lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation about your case at 801.506.0800.