A motorcycle crash has claimed the life of another Tucson rider this past weekend. The crash occurred early Sunday morning on the south side of Tucson, near I-19.
The motorcyclist died in a single motorcycle crash in a construction zone at West Ajo Way and South Kostka Avenue. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is working on the Ajo Way Traffic Interchange project, west of I-19. Unfortunately, Tucson has seen an increase in motorcycle crashes in 2016.
The rider was traveling east on Ajo Way in the construction zone and crashed head-on into a cement barrier. The impact threw the rider from the Yamaha motorcycle. Tucson Police believes speed may be a factor in the accident. The motorcyclist was transferred to Banner UMC but sadly, passed away.
Police found a helmet at the scene, but it’s unknown if the rider was wearing it at the time of the crash. With a 25 MPH speed limit, the area has a curve that drivers say is hard to navigate. Southside drivers complain that the construction zone is unsafe. A large orange arrow indicates the upcoming turn, but some drivers say that is not enough to guide people in the area.
Tucson police urge drivers to watch for motorcycles and encourage all riders to wear a helmet at all times. Arizona has no law requiring riders 18 and older to wear a helmet while riding. Tucson has seen an uptick in motorcycle fatalities in 2016, with no apparent reason for the increase.
