An off-duty police officer has died in a New York motorcycle accident on Queens Highway, the Daily News reported.
The 27-year-old NYPD officer had just finished work at the 100th Precinct stationhouse, when he joined fellow riders for a ride to a party in Astoria Park. Authorities say he lost control of his bike and crashed into a guardrail. He was rushed to New York Hospital Queens, where he was pronounced dead.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. He is one of 10 New York police officers who have been killed in motorcycle accidents since 2005.
Another rider was killed in a Queens motorcycle accident on 221st Street near 145th Road Street after losing control of the motorcycle and striking a tree.
The reports do not indicate either accident was the fault of another motorist. However, federal statistics show that more than half of all motorcycle accidents occur through no fault of the rider — usually when another motorist pulls out in front of a motorcycle. Nationwide, the number of motorcycle accidents has continued to rise with the increasing popularity of riding. In 2008, a total of 5,290 riders were killed and more than 96,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In New York, 177 riders were killed. Only California, Florida Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio reported more motorcycle deaths. Traditionally, the summer weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day have been the most dangerous on the road. Our Queens injury lawyers encourage riders and motorists alike to practice safe driving habits and help reduce the number of serious and fatal New York accidents this summer.
The Queens Chronicle reports that the officer’s death has safety advocates pushing for improvements to that area of the Cross Island Parkway. Another rider was killed in 2006 after crashing into the same guardrail. Overgrowth along the road was cut back and damaged lighting was repaired but little else has been done to what some see as a needlessly dangerous stretch of road.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in the New York City or Long Island areas, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose to discuss your rights. Call 718.261.0549.
