Published: October 15, 2008 12:03 am            

Three injured in deer/motorcycle crashes

Sheriff warns riders about the dangers of driving after dark

Howard County sheriff deputies are urging motorcyclists to use extreme caution while riding after sunset following a pair of recent motorcycle/deer collisions. Three people were injured in the crashes.

Just after midnight Saturday, deputies reported that Travis W. Williams, 40, Kokomo, suffered serious injuries when his 2000 Honda motorcycle collided with a large buck on 500 West near 300 North.

Lt. Matt Bilkey, of the Indiana State Police Peru Post, was on patrol when he discovered William’s motorcycle lying in the roadway and a deer carcass nearby.

Sheriff deputies searching the area found Williams at a residence located nearly a quarter mile from the crash scene.

Williams walked to the residence seeking assistance, Deputy Kurt Goerges reported.

“He had lost a great deal of blood,” Goerges said.

Williams suffered serious injuries, including a skull fracture, fractured right arm, lacerations, and abrasions. He was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph Memorial Hospital for treatment and immediately transferred via Life Line Helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Then on Monday evening, deputies came upon a second motorcycle/deer crash at 480 West near Hunters Trail. There, they found Danny M. Keating Jr., 33, Kokomo, and his wife, Kimberly D. Keating, 30, suffering numerous scrapes and bruises.

Both were treated at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital following the 8:10 p.m. collision.

Deputies reported the Keatings were traveling southbound on 480 West near Hunters Trail when a deer ran into the side of their 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Both were ejected from the motorcycle. The injured deer was destroyed by deputies.

“The deer are moving due to the presence of farm machinery in the fields, and hunting season being under way,” Sheriff Marty Talbert said.

“Motorcyclists operating after sunset need to use extreme caution,” he added. “In both of these cases, the cyclist had little, if any, time to react. Motorcyclists should reduce their speed after sunset, use their bright headlight when possible, and protect themselves by wearing a helmet and adequate motorcycle attire.”

Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com

        

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