Two Fatalities Reported in Republic of Texas Rally, Reports Are Still Being Tallied
Last weekend the Republic of Texas Biker Rally took place in Austin, TX. Officials said there were at least two biker deaths over the weekend, and at least three more serious accidents involving motorcycles. Police and Rally officials are not sure if all of the accidents were connected to the event, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Police say they do not have the total number of motorcycle wrecks for this past weekend because not all of the officers have turned in reports. In Austin, during the 2009 and 2008 ROT biker rally weekends, there were 22 and 16 motorcycle crashes respectively. 2009 also included one fatality.
ROT 2010 rally weekend already has two fatal motorcycle crashes documented. One fatal crash early Sunday morning killed 36-year-old motorcycle passenger, Barbara Ann Garza. The driver, Daniel Rios Ortega, 28, crashed his bike in Northeast Austin and fled the scene. He was arrested and charged with failure to stop and render aid in the incident.
The second fatality happened in western Travis County early Monday; when El Paso resident, David Torres, 44, crashed into a median.
My condolences go out to the families of the two victims, Barbara Ann Graza and David Torres. Crashes like this can be prevented by paying more attention to the road. By being aware and by adhering to road safety rules many accidents can be avoided. These rules really need to be followed when attending biker rallies like this on. A motorcycle rider is 37 times more likely to die in a crash than automobile driver. So please pay attention while driving and follow the road safety rules, doing so can save lives.
This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900 or in Dallas at 214-327-8000. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have questions please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
