Motorcyclist, 21, killed in Calvert crash
A 21-year-old motorcyclist was killed Monday after he collided with a pickup truck on Broomes Island Road in Calvert County, authorities said.
John Alton Stratchko, of Broomes Island, was riding a motorcycle south on Broomes Island Road near Island Creek Lane when a pick-up truck coming out of a driveway pulled in front of him, police said.
Stratchko laid down his bike in an attempt to avoid a collision, police said, but it was too late: Both he and the motorcycle collided with the truck, and the motorcycle came to rest on top of him.
Stratchko was transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
Lt. Steven Jones, commander of criminal investigations for the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, said investigators are still reconstructing the accident, but it is unlikely anyone will be charged. He said police do not believe Stratchko was speeding.
The Post has built a searchable database of 2008 motorcycle deaths in the United States.
By
Matt Zapotosky
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May 5, 2010; 12:45 PM ET
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Calvert
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Matt Zapotosky
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Traffic Accidents
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Posted by: dal20402 | May 5, 2010 3:13 PM | Report abuse
Motorcyclists *always* need to anticipate these sorts of actions (yes, I'm one). If the motorcyclist had enough time to consider "laying it down" (which is never a good choice), he possibly had time for an evasive maneuver. Apparently the wrong choice was made. Unfortunate.
Posted by: michael49 | May 5, 2010 7:00 PM | Report abuse
I went and saw his motorcycle today. there are not enough scratches or anything to show that he layed down his bike. Apparently this is the 2nd time the truck has done this to a motorcyclist. He should definately be charged. RIP John Alton Stratchko.
Posted by: Elizabeth81 | May 5, 2010 7:22 PM | Report abuse
A properly trained rider will never "lay a bike down" to stop. Since this rider is dead, I don't understand how the WaPo now asserts this was his intention.
Posted by: lefande | May 5, 2010 7:41 PM | Report abuse
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Why was the pickup driver not charged with failure to yield?
If the motorcyclist wasn't speeding but still couldn't stop in time, that seems pretty black and white.