MARION COUNTY, IL- Bdb.com reports that a motorcyclist was killed in an early morning crash on Interstate 57 on Thursday, July 26, 2018. The accident occurred in the northbound lanes atapproximately 4:37 in the morning.
The victim was identifiedas Mason Wathan, 23, of Centralia. Wathan was riding north on I-57 when a passenger vehicle struck his motorcycle from behind. The coroner pronounced Wathan dead at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle that struck Wathan was arrestedfollowing the deadly crash. Jonathan Trotter, 21, of Evansville, Indiana, was reportedly seen driving his vehicle in a reckless manner and speeding prior tostriking the victim’s motorcycle. After hitting Wathan, Trotter drove his vehicle off of the interstate and into the median where he struck several trees. Trotter was takento the Salem Township Hospital for treatment of injuries he sustained in the wreck.
Trotter is facing charges for “involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide.”
The accident closed I-57’s northbound lanes for about six hours.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 147 people killed in motorcycle accidents on Illinois roadways in 2015. The Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) indicates that between 2014 and 2015, motorcycle fatalities in Illinois rose by 24%, which is more than double the increase experienced across the country. Out of all 50 states, 31 saw higher numbers of motorcycle fatalities while 16 saw lower numbers and three states had the same amount in 2015 as 2014. Motorcyclist deaths made up 13% of Illinois’ total traffic deaths.
The GHSA also lists several factors that impact the likelihood of a motorcyclist being involved in a fatal crash. The four main risks are failing to use a helmet, alcohol impairment, speeding, and riding on an invalid license.
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If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle caused by another’s negligence, call our motorcycle accident injury lawsuit attorneys in Illinois. You can schedule a case consultation at no cost to you by calling our office at 312.422.0500.
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