Motorcyclist dies after Salem Township crash
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect reports that the motorcycle driver has died.
A 25-year-old Brighton man riding a motorcycle who was airlifted to University of Michigan Hospital Friday evening has died after suffering critical injuries in a crash, according to a report from Livingston County's WHMI radio station.
The station reports that Scott Pohl was the driver of the motorcycle that collided with an SUV on North Territorial Road east of South Weed Road in Salem Township.
The Michigan State Police were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. Friday to the crash. A 2004 Ford Explorer, driven by an 18-year-old Northville woman, was attempting to make a left turn from Territorial onto a private driveway when it crashed with a 2007 Honda motorcycle, which was oncoming, police said.
Speeds are unknown at this time, and alcohol does not appear to be a factor. The driver of the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet, according to a news release.
The driver of the motorcycle was flown via Survival Flight to U-M Hospital.
Family has been notified of the crash. The two occupants in the Explorer were not injured. The crash investigation continues.
View 2012 Washtenaw County Traffic Reports in a larger map
Comments
Kaycee Nowicki
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 3:31 a.m.
I was engaged to the man that passed in this awful crash... Too much CRAP on here about what to believe, what to think, and blah blah...... An accident happened, in my eyes YES he should've had his helmet on and till this day I'm very angry at him... He is now with his brother who was 25 when he was murdered, his grandpa who he loved so very much who passed a week before he did.... He has left behind soooooo many people who loved him with full loving hearts!! This is what matters not the back and fourth stuff!! He was loved and he had the biggest country heart :) we will never forget you Scott! And for the girl (and little brother) who pulled in front of him and saw what happened, accidents happen and I hope that you are able to get past this..Malone with everyone who was at the house at the time it happened (a 18 year old birthday party).. Thank you sooooooo much for all the people that helped him at his last moments of his life and all the wonderful people who prayed over him before the cops showed up.... 5 months and friends and family are still working on putting our life's back together....
Jump to
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 12:36 a.m.
I am amazed at all of the conclusions that people can make based on an article written by someone who has very little knowledge or any knowledge at all of the actual facts of the case. No conclusions of fault can be drawn for either side based on the information provided. Don't jump to conclusions, maybe a healthy debate could be had if people were able to be objective and argue both sides of the coin.
harry
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
I drove a bike for 10 years and stopped when I had kids. My kids having a father are way more important than my enjoyment on a bike. I just dont trust the other drivers out there with my life. Someday when they are older and they dont need my support I may buy another bike. Not now, I wouldn't do that to my kids.
snapshot
Thu, Jun 28, 2012 : 5:33 a.m.
But encouraging your kids to play contact sports, gymnastics, mountain biking, rock climbing, and other risk behaviors, is "good parenting" Just curious.
justcurious
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 10:28 p.m.
Harry I applaud your decision. We accept the risk as riders but we have to remember that our loved ones ride with us. I especially cringe when I see or hear of people putting children on the back of motorcycles. That should be illegal in my opinion. It is one thing to risk your own life, but risking your child's life is quite another matter. I feel the same about those yellow carts that bicyclist's pull behind them with their child inside.
Top Cat
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.
When I moved from New Jersey to Michigan 24 years ago, I was pleasantly surprised as to how courteous and civil the drivers were in Michigan. Having just recently visited NJ, I'll take the drivers in Michigan any day. Driving in New Jersey is like the chariot race in Ben Hur.
snapshot
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.
Lots of talk about the "helmet" law when cell phones and distracted driving cause more deaths than not wearing helmets but it's so much easier to "police" and provide "dicipline" to others than it is ourselves. Those of you that feel "helmet rightious" have already put your cell phones in the trunk of the car you're driving, I'm sure.
snapshot
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 2:05 a.m.
I merely point out the obvious....lots of "self rightious" helmet enthusiasts that talk and text their way through traffic.....possibly having caused accidents and deaths they arn't even aware of.......where's your cell phone? Do you ever see any of those sports participants making a call or texting on the play? They're focused and trying to "sack" their opponent, so no dude, I not only think they shouldn't have a choice, being minors and all.
justcurious
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
If you read this site much, you would have seen plenty of talk about distracting driving from cell phones, texting, etc. This accident "may" have involved both. We don't know at this point. Maybe football and hockey players should be able to decide whether to wear a helmet huh? Isn't it their choice in your opinion? Maybe toddlers should decide whether to sit in car seats......
newsboy
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.
A young man has died and two young women I'm sure have been traumatized. Would it be too much to ask that we skip the opinions on post-accident course of action? My sincere condolences to his family and friends, may he rest in peace, and may you find that same peace in your own hearts someday.
Ricardo Queso
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
We will all "find that same peace" someday. Until then, most of us would like to delay the inevitable by not smoking, wearing our seatbelts and even wearing a helmet.
jeepinkev
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
I think everyone is missing the point...a fellow human being lost his life. It doesn't matter who signed what bill, who turned in front of who, who wore what, or who had what happen to them 20 years ago. I pray that the soul of departed has made it Home. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."
harry
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
There is a law out there that is killing honest good people. We need to talk about it to change it. As the bible saying you wrote....The courage to change things I can. We can change this and save innocent people.
abc
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
eldegee, I have a friend who had the same experience. A little old lady driving on the wrong side of the road turning left into her diveway on a blind turn. And, yes, only because he had a helmet on is he around to tell the story. But the one I always remember was the story where the guy (a friend of a friend) was driving around in front of his house fiddling with a brake or something. But he's just in front of his house, and not really going anywhere, so he's not wearing a helmet. He stops the bike to fiddle some more, loses his balance and falls. His head hits the curb and he dies. Helmets do save lives.
dexterreader
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
Amanda ... I sure would like to know what roads you are driving on. I live in Dexter and travel daily to the east side of Ypsilanti via I-94. As others here have stated, I would also "guesstimate" that roughly 75% of riders I have seen are NOT wearing helmets. Frankly, I am surprised at how many now choose NOT to wear a helmet.
LXIX
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.
I know several riders who are fine following low-speed motorcycle accidents - and their helmets did nothing but help to protect them. In this case, one young man died without the benefit of a helmet - if any - as a free man. The most important part of the discussion is about the choices we make and subsequent results we own. Never about whether we should have a choice or not..
eldegee
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 6:34 p.m.
Couple years ago an old high school buddy was riding his motorcycle in Flint and a car turned suddenly in front of him. He hits the car, helmet breaks in half, bike totaled, he's banged up but alive today thanks to the helmet. Helmets do save lives.
LXIX
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
Who here really thinks that a helmeted head traveling at 50+ mph into an SUV is a walk-away insurance claim? I agree - check the speed and cellphone evidence. I am sorry for both of the too-yound kids..
LXIX
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.
Another very sad story. So which motorcyclist hit a massive SUV head on ? And the major public insurance cost in this case will be for ? Does this mean don't wear a helmets for the public's sake?
C.C. Ingersoll
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
Sorry to spam this but... http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/One-man-dead-after-motorcycle-crash-in-Oak-Park/-/1719418/15222096/-/x1d7sw/-/index.html June 24th 2012: "The man struck his head against the pavement, and then slid for about 45 feet. He was not wearing a helmet. The man succumbed to his injuries, and was pronounced dead on the scene. The passenger, a woman from Georgia, also slid along the pavement and sustained abrasions and bruises. The helmet she was wearing protected her from any head injuries. The woman was taken to William Beaumont Hospital for treatment." How fast do you think he was going on I-696? 80mph or so -- you betcha.
Wolf's Bane
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:56 p.m.
"The driver of the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet." Governor + Repeal of Helmet Law = Manslaughter charges
ranger007
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 12:41 a.m.
How do you figure manslaughter charges he chose not to wear a helmet.
Ricardo Queso
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.
A motorcycle is inherently dangerous. The visible profile is small, no amount of "education" will change this basic fact. If a motorcyclist combines this with high speed they are putting themselves at risk. You can blame the driver of the SUV all you want, but the motorcyclist alone is responsible for accepting the risk of riding. By the end of the year the total cost of caring for helmetless closed head injuries will be stunning.
sad2leave
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
Motorcycle or car..doesn't matter! If he would have been driving a car..she might have been killed. When it is your time to go..only our heavenly maker makes that decision. And on that note, people die all the time on motorcycles..helmentless or wearing one! And proven stats show..it is mostly speed that is the cause.
JRW
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
"By the end of the year the total cost of caring for helmetless closed head injuries will be stunning." And all the rest of us will pay for this stupidity in higher health care costs that get passed on to everyone.
Cash
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
Coincidentally, Snyder signed the no helmet law in April on FRIDAY the 13TH. Hmmmmm......
Cash
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
Unbe-freakin-lievable.....we should ALL be furious ...sometimes government really does have to protect the rest of us from others who don't seem to care about safety. http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/One-man-dead-after-motorcycle-crash-in-Oak-Park/-/1719418/15222096/-/x1d7sw/-/index.html
Cash
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.
Email, justc. Even though I would expect a 5 year old who puts his helmet on to ride his bicycle to know enough without being told, I did email him, yes. There will be lawsuits in this case and in all death cases......and injury cases....and the more lawsuits the more our insurance rates will increase, as we all know. Big payouts = higher insurance rates.
justcurious
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
Well, in this case we don't have to pay for that man's lack of helmet use because he died. Hopefully he was an organ donor. I wrote to Snyder urging him not to repeal the law, did you? I am a motorcyclist.
Ron Granger
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
The apparent big take-away from this story is that someone died because a young driver did not yield the right of way. And it was - surprise - a large SUV. There are too many car drivers rushing around, in a big hurry to get somewhere that most often isn't all that important. They think they are great drivers. They think they can roll through stop signs, stop in crosswalks. They commit countless vehicle offenses each day and are oblivious to the fact. And as we too often see in other cases, they flee the scene when it all goes wrong. Cars are incredibly dangerous, to those in and outside the vehicle. Riding in a car is one of the most dangerous things many of us do on a regular basis. We need better enforcement of traffic violations that put others' at risk. Especially pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
grimmk
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.
My biggest peve is when people change lanes in a intersection/light. Really grinds my gears. Everything we do has risks. We accept them and move on. No wear a seat belt = risk. Not wear a helmet = risk. If the person driving was in a prius, would that make it better? No. SUV or compact car, it will always win out over a motorcycle.
towncryer
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:03 p.m.
I don't know this man, but while everyone is getting in their political jabs and condescending judgments, let's not forget that someone TURNED LEFT and HIT him!
grimmk
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
Yes, he hit the SUV because it turned right in front of him. He probably didn't have enough time to stop. So zip it.
justcurious
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
I agree, but more than likely he ended up hitting the side or front of the SUV as it turned in front of him.
Ron Granger
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
If helmets are so important to you for safety, then you should wear one while riding in a car. Otherwise don't preach about it.
Ricardo Queso
Tue, Jun 26, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
Then you should sign up for the team that notifies loved ones, that sprays down the aftermath, that counsels the person , in your mind, responsible for the death.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
Ron is right. Head injuries are pretty common as a result of automobile accidents. I think it probably would save lives if people started wearing helmets in their cars.
Ron Granger
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 1:37 p.m.
Your car is not the fortress that you suggest. Fact: Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of all head injuries. Fact: Traffic accidents account for half (49%) of the 500,000 head injuries serious enough to require hospitalization each year. So if you really care about safety, it is hypocritical to say Motorcycle riders should not have the choice but car drivers should.
Mike
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
And wear a helmet when walking down the street. I would imagine if you are hit by a car your survival rate would be higher.
Cash
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:53 p.m.
Oh Ron, we wear armor all around us in a car, plus seat belts and air bags. Come on, let's be logical.
clownfish
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
I do have a helmet in my car, a full body helmet designed with crumple zones and a belt to hold me in place.
swcornell
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
Here's an idea from Europe: Have the insurance companies put in a clause that riding w/o a helmet voids your insurance coverage! In Germany it's also true if the front seat passengers aren't wearing their seat belts, no insurance coverage.
JRW
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 12:16 a.m.
I have not heard of this, but I like it. People have to take responsibility for their actions and if you make stupid choices, don't expect everyone else to pay for it when there is an injury through higher and higher ins premiums and costs. No helmet, no ins. No seatbelt, no ins. I like this. If you're stupid and get injured, you pay the costs.
snapshot
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:49 a.m.
It's a shame........more emphasis on driving safety is needed in Michigan. The checking of cell phone records should become mandatory in all accidents but especially those involving a death. Drivers making left turns in front of motorcycles is an ongoing problem because drivers don't take the time to look for a less visible motorcycle. No cars in view, they turn.
Amanda Zee
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:44 a.m.
As a rider myself, I am very pleased to see how many other riders still choose to wear their helmets even though they are no longer obliged to. I would have to say 9 out of 10 bikes I see have helmeted riders. This is a very unfortunate event, but hopefully it reminds everyone that most motorcycle accidents are often caused by other drivers, and wearing your helmet as well as other protective gear is SO important.
justcurious
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
Amanda, as time goes on I see fewer and fewer riders with helmets. I don't know if it is peer pressure or people getting onboard with the extra $20,000 requirement. We will always wear our full face helmets and ride where we don't have to mix it up with the cagers as much as possible. The helmet law should not have been revoked.
spm
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:06 p.m.
I accidentally posted too soon. My condolence to his family.
spm
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:04 p.m.
I drove up north this weekend and counting the motorcyclists on the highway, I'd say about half were not wearing helmets. I'm sure my bicycle helmet saved me from one nasty head injury judging how crunched it looked after an accident I had a while ago. From personal cycling experience I just can't get behind this no helmet law. That said, I'm very sorry for his loss of life and my condole
RuralMom
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 11:51 a.m.
Really? I live on a road that is frequented by riders, as well as being a rider myself. 75% of the riders who pass my home are NOT wearing helmets. Of all age levels! When you ride you assume a risk, its always much wiser to wear all your safety equipment.
LSB
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.
This and the auto accident on US-23 yesterday are both tragic incidents that make us all very upset, and rightly so. I am so very sorry to everyone involved. I want to state a brief objection to the flurry of comments on these pages stating that Ann Arbor has rude, inept, and/or inattentive drivers, as though this has something to do with either accident. The unfortunate people in both cases seem to be from Novi, Northville, and Livingston County. Perhaps this is not the appropriate time to point fingers at driving conditions inside the city of Ann Arbor.
Ann English
Fri, Jun 29, 2012 : 12:03 a.m.
I meant to say "right rear corner panel," not "left right corner panel".
Ann English
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
I don't know what sort of advice can be given to EVERY motorcyclist on how to avoid this kind of collision, but I had some firsthand exposure to this type of collision in Livingston County. A man driving a sedan was driving west (toward the sunset) and turned left into our church driveway. The driveway happened to be at the top of a hill, one that had a slope only on the WEST side, not the side this driver was on. A motorcyclist came up the hill eastbound and collided with the driver's left right corner panel and was hurt. Some church members said that the sedan driver could not have seen the motorcyclist coming because of the sun's glare at that time of day, but I've heard of this sort of collision happening in Wayne County too. The motorcyclist was attended to by the church and the pastor's middle son said that he was wearing a cheap motorcycle helmet. The motorist came inside and stayed for the evening service and both men were prayed for. As far as I knew, the motorcyclist lived. I don't know if this stretch of North Territorial Road was at the top of some hill where oncoming motorcyclists couldn't see left-turning vehicles, or if the young woman was the one heading west, toward the sunset, but any motorist/motorcyclist should be careful approaching the crest of a road's hill; there's limited visibility for what's ahead, regardless of the weather.
JMA2Y
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 12:33 a.m.
Helmet-less riders rarely survive accidents of almost any kind. Gov. Snyder said that a helmet-less law would generate money for the state because more of those riders would come to Michigan. Were there stats to prove that would be true or was that made up? And why did he think it best and the Legislature think it best to not wear a helmet? Have we made more money? Or are there just more deaths because of a lack of helmets?
C.C. Ingersoll
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/One-man-dead-after-motorcycle-crash-in-Oak-Park/-/1719418/15222096/-/x1d7sw/-/index.html June 24th 2012: "The man struck his head against the pavement, and then slid for about 45 feet. He was not wearing a helmet. The man succumbed to his injuries, and was pronounced dead on the scene. The passenger, a woman from Georgia, also slid along the pavement and sustained abrasions and bruises. The helmet she was wearing protected her from any head injuries. The woman was taken to William Beaumont Hospital for treatment."
Adam Wellman
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 6:45 p.m.
Actually, I think the research shows helmet-less riders SAVE on health care costs because instead of surviving moderate accidents with TBI's, thus requiring a LOT of expensive care, they just expire. No link to back that statement up, just remember reading it somewhere.
Wolf's Bane
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.
Can't wait for health care cost to skyrocket as the toll of severely injured motorcyclists bankrupt our states coffers.
justcurious
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.
JMA2Y, I don't think your statement is true that "Helmet-less riders rarely survive accidents of almost any kind. " Do some research. I support helmet use however.
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 11:29 a.m.
"And why did he think it best and the Legislature think it best to not wear a helmet? " They didn't think that. They thought it best to have it the choice of the rider.
aareader
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
Maybe the republican legislature will soon understand helmets can save lives... AND there were valid reasons that law was passed in the first place.
harry
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.
As a republican, I agree the republican blew this one. How many people will die because of this law. There is no reason to change this. Fathers will die this year as a direct result of this law. Kids will grow up with there fathers. Such a shame.
J
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 1:48 a.m.
Too bad some make everything into a party issue. This bill had the support of both republicans and democrats! Please check your facts before posting.
NHolmes
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 10:39 p.m.
"The driver of the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet," The politicians who repealed our helmet laws should feel so proud.
Mike
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
He may have been killed anyhow given the circumstances. The left likes to scream about keeping your hands off of my body, we're asking you to keep your hands off of our helmets.
Robin1979
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
Huh, the point is not wearing a helmet shouldn't be an option!
huh7891
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 1:42 a.m.
So it's the politicians fault someone made their own choice and decided not to wear a helmet?
GoNavy
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.
This is one of the biggest dangers facing motorcyclists: Drivers - especially young, inexperienced ones - who fail to yield to oncoming bike traffic. Some are ignorant, others careless, and still others simply don't know to even look for a vehicle with the profile of a motorbike.
jj45678
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 10:18 p.m.
With the repeal of the helmet law, we should start to see more of these articles, sadly. But hey you can't take away their freedoms right?
Wolf's Bane
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.
Thank Snyder
Mike
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:03 p.m.
Get rid of air bags and anti-lock brakes and bring the price of an automobile down. Who can afford one anymore?
Walaa Mahmoud
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:23 a.m.
Seat belt law is still here. That's taking away our freedom. What's the difference? The laws being passed nowadays are just disturbing! They are just looking for more problems in this world.
justcurious
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
When I posted about the safety equipment I use as a motorcyclist and urged everyone to look out for us it was deleted. Please tell me why.
Wolf's Bane
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.
I sold my bike when the helmet law was repealed.
justcurious
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:15 p.m.
I heard from Tony Dearing. He said that it was removed because I had "Look twice, save a life. Motorcycles are everywhere!!" in Caps. Not allowed.
swcornell
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
I did not see your post but I have been deleted several times. When I contacted AnnArbor.com they told me it was for responding or commenting on somebody elses post and not at the article directly. This is a fine line to walk, but I have learned to avoid this censoring.
ranger007
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 3:27 a.m.
Good luck getting an answer..they will probably delete your question.
arborani
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.
I read that post before it was deleted. I recall nothing which could be judged objectionable; it was merely informational. I am a little more than "just curious" about this.
Ricardo Queso
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
And one has to wonder, would a helmet have saved this life?
Kaycee Nowicki
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.
I read the reports and from what I read he still would have passed... To much damage to his body to live really (sadly)
harry
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 5:02 p.m.
SC8 How do you know. Are you an expert in this type of crashes. Please state facts and figure. If not............
sc8
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 9:49 a.m.
No way. The rider would at least have been traveling at 45 mph, and, from what the story says, hit a car that turned in front of him. There's no way he would have survived. It's too sad.
Mike
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 5:01 p.m.
As sad as this is he could have been just as easily killed crossing the street. Please pray for his family during this difficult time. I believe that when it's your time it's your time, helmet or not.
leaguebus
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 4:08 p.m.
It was this riders choice to ride without a helmet. I don't see a problem with that. RIP
Ignatz
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
Higher speeds negate the safety provided by the helmet. Unfortunately, we don't know the speed.
Mick52
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 9:55 p.m.
That is what I am wondering.
justcurious
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
Brighton Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash Friday In Salem Township June 23, 2012 6/23/12 - A Brighton man has passed away due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash in Washtenaw County. 25-year-old Scott Pohl was originally listed in critical condition in the intensive care unit at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he was flown by Survival Flight on Friday evening. Pohl later died at the hospital. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post were called out to the crash at 6:30pm on North Territorial Road, east of South Weed Road in Salem Township. Police say an 18-year-old Northville woman driving a 2004 Ford Explorer was attempting to make a left turn onto North Territorial Road into a private driveway when she came into contact with a 2007 Honda motorcycle driven by Pohl, who was traveling in the opposite direction. State Police say speeds are unknown at this time and alcohol does not appear to be a factor. Pohl was not wearing a helmet and police say the investigation into the crash continues. The two occupants in the Explorer were not injured. (JM)
Julie Baker
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
We've updated the story. Thanks for bringing that to our attention.
justcurious
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.
From Livingston County's WHMI radio station website. May he rest in peace. My hearth goes out to his loved ones.
JSS
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 3:08 p.m.
SWCORNELL hit the nail on the head. I too moved here from outside the area, ten years ago. I was, and still am, amazed at the abysmally poor driving in Ann Arbor. A yellow light means nothing to area drivers - certainly it doesn't mean stop. The first second of a red light is apparently an invitation to hit the gas. The directional/turn signal is never used. It's as if these drivers don't even know what that feature is, or why it's important to use. Apparently the local police long ago gave up on enforcing these driving laws, and now with a reduced force, it's like the wild west on area roads.
Dog Guy
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 2:47 p.m.
I pray for the young motorcyclist and the young lady who apparently caused the accident.
djm12652
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 2:27 p.m.
Was the motorcycle oncoming? Is that what you mean? She was headed to her left
Julie Baker
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
That's correct. I went by the description from police, but I've reworded that portion to clarify. Thanks.
swcornell
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
When I first moved to Ann Arbor from Kalamazoo in the late 70's, I rode a motorcycle. I was blown away at how discourteous Ann Arbor drivers were. Running red lights was considered the norm here. I learned I could never just take off on my green light. I had to make sure all the other vehicles were actually going to stop. It wasn't until I got an big old Ford F150 that I actually got over my fear to actually take my right away. I still honk at drivers that run the red and have to honk a couple of times a week!
clownfish
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
Driver was from Brighton, crashed in Salem Twp. What does that have to do with A2?
Terry Star21
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 7:18 p.m.
I've lived here my whole life, very proud of the city - sadly, you are correct about the area (although I would like to believe a good amount of drivers are out-of-towners)......we have to be so alert, 100% of the time. I remember my high school drivers ed teacher would say - when approaching an intersection, your eyes should be quickly bouncing off maybe 5-6 areas (right traffic, left, straight ahead, sidewalk right/left, traffic light, etc.)
Brad
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
"attempting to make a left turn from Territorial onto a private driveway when it crashed with a 2007 Honda motorcycle, which was headed in the opposite direction" I believe the correct terms are "failed to yield to" and "pulled in front of". That's what your description indicates.
harry
Mon, Jun 25, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.
Snapshot How do you know if that person life would have been saved. I dont think there is any argument that wearing a helmet is better than not wearing one. I agree ...Snyder blew it. We wear seat belts. Why would you let motorcyclist not wear helmets? People will die over this law.
snapshot
Sun, Jun 24, 2012 : 2:37 a.m.
a helmet wouldn't have saved the rider but taking away YOUR cell phone might save a life. I think it is very very wrong for anyone to have a cell phone in a car. Way more dangerouse than helmetless bikers.
Mick52
Sat, Jun 23, 2012 : 9:53 p.m.
Correct Brad, though in some instances speed can negate fault. For example if the oncoming vehicle was traveling at an exceptionally high rate of speed, that may not be evident to the person facing them. Still, this was a completely avoidable accident. I think the state was very very wrong eliminating the helmet law, even though head injuries are not reported here.