Two on motorcycle airlifted to hospital after Fourth of July crash on North Territorial Road
A couple on a motorcyle are in critical condition after crashing into the side of a minivan Wednesday in Lyndon Township.
Michigan State Police were dispatched to North Territorial Road near Stofer Road for the accident at 5:15 p.m.
According to a news release from the state police, both the minivan and motorcycle were traveling west on North Territorial. When the minivan attempted to make a left-hand turn into a private drive, the motorcycle, which was attempting to pass the minivan in the other lane, struck the minivan near the front wheel area on the left.
The man and woman on the motorcycle, who are from Howell, sustained critical injuries and were airlifted to University of Michigan Hospital.
The occupants of the minivan, six collge interns from U-M, did not report any injuries. Alcohol or speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash.
Neither the man nor the woman on the motorcycle was wearing a helmet, according to state police.
View 2012 Washtenaw County Traffic Reports in a larger map
John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Mi resident
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/06/24/3665425/commentary-repealed-helmet-laws.html
Ann English
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:01 p.m.
OK, John Counts, I found Stofer Road after panning down Hadley Road, which turns into Stofer. If this keeps up, I trust that more readers will use the arrows and zooming in and out functions to find news locations on the maps provided. I once explored a different part of Stofer and remembered that it was closer to Webster Township than to Northfield and Superior Townships, where a different motorcycle accident took place on North Territorial.
Mi resident
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
And to Ann Arbor.com.. how can you allow Racerx political statements regarding this but ban comments based on Organ donation? I've read your guidelines. I don't understand why organ donation is a violation. You state using tragedies to state a political point is a violation.,., I don't think organ donation discussion should be banned in regards to this discussion. Check the statics. States that dont' require helmets have a faster organ donation response time.
Mi resident
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
I'm always amazed at how many people want to blame things like this on the Govenor. Wether it's Fireworks or Helmets.. It makes me think people aren't smart enough to make an informed decision on their safety therefore someone needs to do it for them? I agree what clownfish has to say : If they don't have proper insurance to cover their medical costs they should be denied tax payer funded care. "Personal responsibility" means wearing a helmet and/or having proper coverage. If you don't feel like the fireworks are safe.. Then dont' light them off. If you feel unsafe without a helmet.. wear one. We don't need government to make all the decisions. What's next? Should we ban cars? Lots of accidents in them... ban fast food.. all that obesity. Freedom of choice. Plain and simple.
Mick52
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
MI the point is that with Obamacare mandates our insurance premiums will all go up and despite what makes sense and occurs in single payer countries, our health insurance and med centers have to now cover and care for everyone. I am a republican and I am very upset with the legislature passing this law and the governor signing it. It just supports the democrat's opinion that the republicans have no health care plan. To me the biggest flaw of Obamacare is the lack of personal responsibility, that being get healthy to help control costs and don't do stuff that is inherently dangerous and unhealthy. See what happens when Govt takes over: http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/uk_smoker_denied_surgery_for_broken_ankle/ My point is that is govt is going to shove this down our throats and forcing us to pay more we shouldn't have to tolerate unhealthy behavior that makes us pay more.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
I can only speak for myself, of course. I don't think fireworks should be banned because of the danger they represent to those who shoot them off. I think they should be banned because of the potential for starting fires. I don't shoot off fireworks but I sure would be upset if someone who did burned my house down. I am not sure how I can take personal responsibility for *that*
clownfish
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
If they don't have proper insurance to cover their medical costs they should be denied tax payer funded care. "Personal responsibility" means wearing a helmet and/or having proper coverage.
TFT
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:26 p.m.
They were air lifted out by two U of M lifeflights. We were driving thu to the lake that day and saw they had landed out in the farmers field behind the North Lake Marathon.
racerx
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:15 a.m.
No helmets eh? Sustained critical injuries eh? Were any of these critical injuries head injuries? And this from a governor who signed the no-helmet law, of which, my health costs will contributed to their care. And the same Republicans in Michigan would like to see the appeal of Obamacare. Right.
cinnabar7071
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:06 p.m.
Gabo so you're also for getting rid of swimming pools, pedal bikes, football, mountain climbing, ice skating, crossing the street, having babies? So where is your limit? Is it going to be at every sport that you aren't active in, and you'll be ok with the ones you like. Personal freedom means some people will do things you don't agree with, and you also able to do things other don't agree with.
cinnabar7071
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
racerx my healthcare costs go up because you eat fast food for dinner, whats your point?
Gaboo
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.
I have been concerned about the new no-helmet law since before it was implemented. You may like your personal freedom to choose whether to risk life and limb (and head) but my insurance premiums are going to be affected by the increased number of claims for motorcycle related accidents. I don't at all mind paying for the healthcare of people who need it but I do balk at paying when the need is caused by stupid, reckless choices.
interested
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:08 a.m.
Same GOP who also made dangerous fireworks legal, yet aren't interested in providing the individuals who injure themselves with health care. Brilliant, eh?
tom swift jr.
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.
You know, "Cash", there's no indication that the Biker was passing illegally, I'm not sure why you made that comment. I wish both of these people well, I hope they recover. I also hope that our Governor is reading the headlines about these accidents. I'm also hoping that he saw the news piece this after noon about the guy that lost part of four fingers to some of the newly approved fireworks.
Mick52
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 10:06 p.m.
LeftisRight, how do you know it is legal to pass unless you know the exact place the accident occurred? On Google maps street view in Lyndon Twp, NT is double yellow for a long way, way to far to be near the intersection of Stofer. Used to be news sources used block numbers for locations, to be more accurate. East of Stofer is Dexter Twp, so the accident, per the story must have occurred west of Stofer.
Ann English
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.
I wonder if you're referring to a 16-year-old who lost fingers right down to the middle of his palm.
Left is Right
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:30 p.m.
Take it back. From the satellite view it's legal to pass there.
Left is Right
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
In my memory, North T is all double yellow in that area (and pretty much everywhere else).
cinnabar7071
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
Also To there are no legal fireworks works in michigan that will blow 4 fingers off. What you said is like outlawing garages because cars are dangerous.
a2citizen
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:08 a.m.
Statements of fact? The following statements are in the articel: 1. "...both the minivan and motorcycle were traveling west..." 2. "...the minivan attempted to make a left-hand turn into a private drive..." 3. "...the motorcycle, which was attempting to pass the minivan in the other lane, struck the minivan near the front wheel area ON THE LEFT..." "Actually, the van could have been legally turning and did not see the bike..." No, actually not. In order for the van to LEGALLY TURN THE DRIVER MUST use his signal. "...There could have been turn signals used that the bike didn't see..." If the biker did not see the turn signals that would not absolve the biker of fault.
tom swift jr.
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:26 a.m.
Actually, the van could have been legally turning and did not see the bike.. There could have been turn signals used that the bike didn't see. Let's not make statements of fact when we don't HAVE the facts.
a2citizen
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
Tom, one of two things existed in this crash: 1. The van was making an illegal/improper left turn (no turn signal) or 2 The motorcycle was passing illegally/improperly on the left. There is no middle ground. One of the two drivers was at fault.
Cash
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
Biker with no helmet passed me on a double yellow line as I was driving the speed limit on Prospect. Eventually he will be in one of these articles. Time does catch up with EVERYONE eventually.
Mick52
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 9:55 p.m.
Amazing isn't it? I saw a guy on a crotch rocket sans helmet on a freeway with as much regard to the speed limit as his own safety.
grimmk
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:14 a.m.
I think I know who you are talking about. Some guy did that to me a while ago. Oh, and he went through a red light as well. Those are only for CARS, apparently.
grimmk
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.
Is it that hard to use a turn signal? It requires barely any effort and it's not like it comes as an extra on the car. Same thing goes for rear view mirrors. They are there. USE THEM. I hope the couple recovers. But I hope these hard learned lessons sink in to other anti helmet users. It could be you next.
grimmk
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 3:23 a.m.
It doesn't say either way. Used or not used, people neither see nor care. People pass in no passing lanes, don't wear helmets and think they are law onto themselves. But it had been stated that the motorcyclist were not wearing helmets. I was merely trying to point out another cause (allegedly) to this accident. Either way, they loose. This is what freedom brings you.
thinker
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 3 a.m.
Where does it say no turn signal was used?
obviouscomment
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
Since changing the helmet law I've been disappointed to see how many people aren't wearing them. I was hoping it would only be a few people but I guess I was wrong.
Mick52
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 9:53 p.m.
I agree Obvious and am very disappointed with the repeal of the helmet law. While the Republicans complain about the ACA, they do this which leads to more serious injuries. I think the ACA fails greatly by not putting some responsibility on people to become healthy, lead healthier lifestyles. Nope, it puts the burden on the industry and just makes us all pay more.
5c0++ H4d13y
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
@Richard that problem is solved under the ACA. Because care is affordable and we are all forced to buy it ...Mission Accomplished!
Richard
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
I would enjoy seeing someone take their personal responsibilities as well.
cinnabar7071
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7 p.m.
Thats what makes personal freedoms so nice. We all get to choose for ourselves. Because you put someone like me in charge and nobodys going to like the rules I come up with.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.
I have to admit that on these two lane roads, I just don't like to pass people so I almost never do. In my case it was because once while I was passing someone, a car turned right out of a driveway into my path. I was able to avoid an accident by slamming on my brakes and getting back into the right lane but it was close. I sometimes wonder if we should just make all two lane roads "no passing" zones. That would prevent accidents like this too. I don't think it would slow people down that much. At any rate, I hope these two manage a full recovery.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
Ah. Good point. I had failed to consider the farm equipment slowness.
5c0++ H4d13y
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.
You could do that but people also need to use the road to move farm equipment around their properties. You could get stuck behind the guy moving his front loader a half mile up the road moving at 10mph.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.
"....both the minivan and motorcycle were traveling west on North Territorial. When the minivan attempted to make a left-hand turn into a private drive...." There aren't too many left turn options west bound in that area from my observation using The Google satellite view and the street view.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.
Mick52, that was my point. ..."There aren't too many left turn options west bound ...." what I didn't add at the time and this may get deleted but on Google street view those few left turn options seem to all show a double yellow line.
Mick52
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 9:49 p.m.
Craig, there are drives there, not many though. I bicycle through there a lot. Must have been west of Stofer if it was in Lyndon Twp., Stofer is the border between Dexter and Lyndon. I am wondering if it is a no passing lane or if the driver failed to signal a turn.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
7 down votes for stating a fact. seems odd. "There are lots of private drives on that road." Not on the south side in the immediate vicinity of Stofer there aren't.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
There are lots of private drives on that road.
kraiford12
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
Sometimes its really hard to know what another vehicle on the road is going to do. Things like indicating turns & brake lights help, but are never an absolute certainty. When I'm riding my bike, the roads that worry me the most are single lane highways (which I believe this area is). For instance, this morning I was in the irish hills area and behind a car for 5 miles that was going 30-40 in a 55mph zone. I was extremely apprehensive about passing because of her speed. Sure enough, she ended up doing an abrupt left turn into a private drive, no signal. It's tricky and dangerous out there. I always try to ride as defensively as possible. Things will and do happen though. Scary, I wish everyone involved a healthy recovery.
Ann English
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:13 p.m.
Sounds like this motorist was looking for a certain address. Sometimes I signal when I think I may have found an address, and I'll signal, but will turn off the signal if I realize it isn't the address after all. If I'm looking for an address on Michigan Avenue or Ecorse Road, turning around in subdivisions nearby is part and parcel of finding the right places. A safe following distance is something good for both you and the motorist BEHIND you to maintain. I remember braking on time for a car in front of me who couldn't start moving because of a stalled car in front of him at a red light turned green, but the man behind me couldn't stop in time.
ANTI LIBERAL
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
May God be with them.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, Jul 5, 2012 : 4:36 p.m.
I'll never understand not wearing a helmet or not fastening a seat belt. Anyway prayers for the injured couple. I pray they both recover fully.