ABILENE, TX (12/11/2015) — A driver who failed to yield the right of way caused an accident which killed motorcyclist John Edward Whiteley on Friday night.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), 53-year-old John Edward Whiteley was killed when his motorcycle collided with an SUV along U.S. 83 in Abilene, Texas.
DPS reported that at around 6:50 p.m., Whiteley was traveling southbound on a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle when a 2010 Toyota SUV—driven by 66-year-old Terrell Wayne Williams—failed to yield right of way while attempting to make a U-turn, causing Whiteley to strike the vehicle.
Whiteley was transported to Hendrick Medical Center, where he later died.
It has not been determined whether Williams will face criminal charges.
Commentary
Frederick Biddle with the DPS stated that drivers need learn the importance of slowing down and looking carefully when turning around or entering another roadway. Additionally, we’d like to urge drivers to remember to look twice for motorcycles. A staggering 455 motorcyclists were killed on Texas roads in 2014. As drivers, it is incumbent upon us to be 100% aware of our surroundings and to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of all motorists, including those on two wheels.
