Motorcycle Crash Claims Life of Port Charlotte Man

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL – According to Winknews.com , a man died of injuries that he suffered in a motorcycle crash.

The motorcyclist, 57-year-old William J. Schmidt of Port Charlotte was driving his motorcycle west on Appleton Boulevard heading towards Bay State Drive when he attempted to pass the vehicle traveling in front of him. The vehicle was making a left turn onto Bay State Drive, and Schmidt struck the front of the car. Schmidt then lost control of his vehicle and went crashing into vegetation on the side of the road.

The driver who was turning is now facing charges for failing to yield.

Motorcycles offer very little protection to riders. Accidents involving these vehicles often end in serious injuries and deaths. While protective gear such as helmets can help lower the risk that motorcyclists are hurt or killed in crashes, even riders using helmets are vulnerable. The best course of action is to avoid being involved in a collision in the first place.

Motorcycles are smaller than cars, SUVs and other vehicles on the road making it more likely that they will be overlooked by drivers. If a motorcycle goes unnoticed, then a driver can easily travel into the motorcycle’s path and cause a serious collision. While the driver of the larger vehicle may be at fault, the motorcyclist is the one who will almost always suffer the consequences. It is wise for people on motorcycles to wear brightly colored clothing in order to make it easier for drivers to see them. Motorcyclists should also be sure to use their headlights when appropriate and to practice defensive driving.