Motorcycle Accidents Up in Western New York

Motorcycle accidents have risen over the weekend ending in serious injuries and death according to reports in Western New York. These local accidents have local law enforcement cautioning riders to ride defensively. Although each of the motorcycle accidents over the weekend involved different circumstances they are still tragic.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb said there is probably no reason for the rise in motorcycle crashes, just Muphy’s Law at work. The sheriff went on to say that riding a motorcycle takes more thought and planning on Western New York roads. The amount of accidents can be reduced when the biker or motorist is conscious of their surroundings and take safety measures.

Motorcyclists need to be more alert to their surroundings and motorists also need to be aware that there are motorcycles on the roadways, according to Dunkirk Police Chief David Ortolano. Motorcycle safety is a two way street on the roads in Western New York.

According to the advice of Whicomb, the rider needs to retain a safe distance between their motorcycle and other vehicles. The rider needs to remember they are less visible than if they were in a vehicle.The sheriff warns motorcycle riders to check the weather forecast prior to riding, as weather conditions are often reasons for accidents. Riding when it is extremely sunny the rider should have the appropriate eye protection. Not having appropriate eye wear, rain and slick pavement can be contributing factors in motorcycle crashes.

Whitcomb and Ortolano both stated protective gear is important for the motorcycle rider. Ortolando said he is glad New York has not repealed the helmet law like some other states, ensuring that every rider has the protection of a helmet in an accident.

The weekend motorcycle crashes that occurred began Friday when Anthony M. Czarnota age 20 was injured in a motorcycle accident on Alleghany Road in Sunset Bay. Sheriff Deputies stated Czarnota lost control of the motorcycle and fell off, the bike traveled approximately 50 feet.

Rider Michael Stoldt age 29 of Lancaster was ejected from his motorcycle and airlifted to ECMC where he died later from his injuries in the crash that occurred in the town of Elma on Saturday. The accident happened when a northbound driver attempted to turn left in front of Stoldt who was traveling southbound without yielding right of way. Stoldt attempted to stop to avoid the collision and was ejected from his motorcycle. The vehicle driven by 79 year old Norman Verbanic struck the bike, which sent it caused it to land on Stoldt.

Charles L. Baily age 50 of Cattaraugus lost control of his motorcycle Saturday, striking a ditch on Hammond Hill Road in East Otto, ejecting him from the bike. He was Mercy Flight transported to ECMC with severe trauma to the upper portion of his body. According to Cattaraugus County Sheriff, Baily died later.

Sunday in another motorcycle crash Daniel H. Lynch Jr. age 50 of West Falls was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident after he failed to negotiate a curve. Lynch was ejected from the motorcycle after failing to negotiate a curve on McKinstry Road, striking a guardrail and sign post.

Beth Szymanski age 48 was pronounced dead at the scene of a Sunday accident, when she was ejected from a motorcycle she was a passenger on. The accident occurred when the operator of the bike Ronald L. Tackentien lost control of the bike crossing the northbound lane onto the east bound shoulder where they were both ejected.

Tackentien was transported to ECMC with minor injuries and where a blood test was taken. Tackentien was arrested and charged with first degree vehicular manslaughter and felony DWI, along with other traffic charges.

Sheriff Whitcomb said motorcycle accidents less unforgiving compared to the safety of a vehicle, seatbelts, and airbags. According to Sheriff Whitcomb the choice to operate a motor vehicle of any type on a public roadway can be dangerous, as people can be hurt or killed. This is why it is against the law to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol.

Chief Ortolano stated that one of the leading causes of accidents are distracted drivers and this includes cell phone use and texting that should not be done while driving.