Astonishing number of fatalities involved motorcycles this
year, many caused by excessive speed.  

The scene of a motorcycle accident February 4th, which claimed the life of David Glenn Garrett – Photo by Carol Rock

A 23 year old man is the latest victim in a long string of
motorcycle accidents in Santa Clarita.

He suffered spinal injuries and a badly damaged foot after
his motorcycle hit the back of another vehicle Monday night, near Newhall
Ranch Rd. and Rye
Canyon.

The man was reportedly seen driving at speeds as high as 100
mph by eyewitnesses  shortly before the crash,
and a speeding ticket was found on him, issued just 10 days prior.

While this time the accident did not prove fatal, Sheriff’s
Department officials are again releasing a stern warning to motorcyclists to
keep the speed down and to drive carefully.  

Below is a publication from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department:

Despite the numerous warnings and public safety campaigns
launched by the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station and the City of Santa
Clarita about the dangers associated with reckless and
inexperienced motorcycle riding, these sport bike riders just don't seem to be
getting the message. 

[view:node_ad=5] Just last Thursday a 41 year-old Canyon Country man was
killed while riding a motorcycle after he collided with another vehicle. 
Although that accident is still under investigation and it has not yet been
determined if speed, recklessness, or inexperience played a role, it still
serves as yet another tragic reminder of the dangers associated with riding
motorcycles on our roadways and the importance of taking extra defensive
precautions and safety measures. 

Last week's incident, along with the death of a 25 year-old
male motorcyclist who collided with a cement truck while traveling at a high
rate of speed at the intersection of Golden Valley Road and Robert C. Lee
Parkway on February 4, 2008, and the July 28, 2008, death of a 54 year-old man
who struck a parked car while riding a motorcycle near Canna Valley Road and
Wistaria Valley Road, Canyon Country, brings the total number of fatality
related motorcycle collisions to 7 dating back to February of last year. 

As yet another reminder, a Canyon Country man, Joseph
Milhoan, MW/21, was sentenced to 16 months in state prison on July 23, 2008, for his involvement in
several incidents of reckless driving on a motorcycle and evading Deputy
Sheriffs in the Santa Clarita Valley over an 18 month period.