Man in critical condition after 3 motorcycles crash on I-94 westbound
A Novi man is in critical condition after 3 motorcycles crashed Tuesday night on I-94 westbound in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan State Police said.
Twenty motorcyclists were riding together on the interstate near Rawsonville Road, when one lost control of his steering, going into what he described as a "high speed wobble" at 9:48 p.m., Trooper Tom Proffitt said.
The rider hit one motorcycle and then was struck by another motorcycle, Proffitt said. The 42-year-old man riding the motorcycle that struck the rider who lost control was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in critical condition.
The other two men were not injured, Profitt said. Two motorcycle clubs were riding together, returning from a funeral, Proffitt said.
Troopers say speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors. The motorcycles were traveling an estimated 65-70 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone, Proffitt said.
Proffitt said he did not know whether the injured man was wearing a helmet.
The crash prompted police to shut down two westbound lanes for several hours.
Comments
Sallyxyz
Fri, Jun 17, 2011 : 9:26 p.m.
Part of the issue here is that too many cycles were riding close together, a recipe for a disaster if something happens to one rider, and that's what happened. Twenty cycles riding together? Obviously they were too close, so when one had a problem, two others crashed into him also.
Gordon
Thu, Jun 16, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.
All riders are praying for the guy. A wobble is tough to control. This is an accident not a foolish silly action on the part of the motorcyclist. If you ride you've been there.
Christine
Thu, Jun 16, 2011 : 5:03 p.m.
We are constantly praying for Butch and his full recovery, he's strong AND stubborn AND WILL pull thru this!! However, he is not the one that had the wobbles. Another buddy of ours was leading the pack and Butch was bringing up the rear...the two men in front of him crashed first because the one on the right, in front of Butch, got the wobbles and took out the guy next to him...being behind them, Butch had no where to go and it was unavoidable...very, very saddened by this and yes, Alyssa, you are right, Butch and the entire family are in need of prayers right now!
alyssa
Thu, Jun 16, 2011 : 3:59 a.m.
The man in critical conditions name is Butch, hes my uncle. He WAS wearing a helmet, i know that for a fact.He's still in critical condition, it's a waiting game for now. Him and his family could use all the prayers they can get so please pray for them...God Bless
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
Not much you can do once you get the wobbles. I hope everyone recovers.
Matt Cooper
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.
Well, whatever the cause, let's just hope this guy comes out okay. I've felt that wobble myself and it is a scary thing to have to deal with especially at higher speeds. All three riders will be in my prayers.
5c0++ H4d13y
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.
It's called a tank slapper. It's hard to get into it under normal riding conditions. Seems like the motorcycle season is off to a bad start.
RuralMom
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 4:09 p.m.
The Gravel Wash off of I-94 @ Saline-Ann Arbor Road did this to my husband about 3 yrs ago on his Harley Road King. Experienced Rider, not a young hot rod (this was his 50th Bday present) and he was on the exit ramp, slowing down for the light. Cop gave him a ticket, even though he told them the wash was out further on the apron than it should be or that he perceived prior to the wreck. That being said, he knew he was gonna dump and got to go into the grass, just before the damp area/pond. For some reason he held on to the bitter end of the ride, rolled over him 3 times. Thanks to proper safety gear, not a scratch on him! Bike got rebuilt, with many upgrades but he was done for the season that year!
5c0++ H4d13y
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
Some bike are more susceptible than others. Something has to happen to get the front and rear wheel out of plane with each other and causes a nasty correction feedback loop. What that thing is can be a bendy frame, a rock in the road that pops the front to the side, bad tires, front end lifts off and lands bad ... Getting out of it can be difficult too. Some say tap the rear break, others say give it some throttle. Bikes have been known to level off and go straight after the rider falls off. I hope I never find out.
RuralMom
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 2:15 p.m.
No its not hard to have it happen to you under normal riding conditions, its a known issue on at least Harley models, see this link: <a href="http://www.2keller.com/library/harley-davidson-wobble.cfm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.2keller.com/library/harley-davidson-wobble.cfm</a> Appears to be a suspension or engine mount issue, depending on the who did the research to report on it. Seriously google the term "death wobble" and its all there for you to see.
Major
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.
I've seen those "high speed wobble" accident video's before, scary stuff! I sure hope all riders involved will be back rolling soon!