A motorcyclist donning a “novelty” helmet was killed Wednesday in a Temecula Wine Country crash.
San Diego resident Michael Witham, 65, was riding a 2000 Harley Davidson northbound on De Portola Road -- just south of Danza Del Sol Winery -- shortly after 3:30 p.m. when he veered off the road, according to a report from California Highway Patrol spokesman Nathan Baer and the Riverside County Coroner's Office.
Witham was ejected from the motorcycle and landed on a dirt shoulder; he was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar but died less than 90 minutes after the crash, Baer reported.
Witham was wearing a non-approved novelty helmet, according to Baer.
“It is unknown at this time if a proper helmet would have saved his life,” Baer said, adding that it's unclear if drugs or alcohol were involved.
There were no other vehicles involved in the crash and no other injuries were reported.
So sad for this man and his loved ones.
I totally, when I was younger, understand the fight that drives those to say, I want to feel the wind in my face, my hair flapping behind me. But its was about the time the helmet law started that I had seen enough brains, body parts laying on the road, and was old, mature enough to know that helmets do save lives, just like seat belts. RIP Michael Witham, condolences to your family and friends.
R.I.P. Uncle Mike, Budd & Kim
I realize its a sensitive time and I am sorry if I said anything that even remotely says I have helmet issues or that wearing a different one would have saved his life. I am not a doctor, or coroner and the article even says that from the police statement.
Nathan Baer being a CHP spokesman should know the 'helmet law' and how it should be applied here in the State of Calif. His statement is perpetuating a falsehood regarding any information claiming helmets receive 'non-approval' let alone approval from any government agency. The impied belief that the DOT 'approves' any safety equipment for use with motor vehicles is a vile stretch of the truth. The CHP has been reprimanded in court over this issue which prompted them to issue REVISED ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES in March 2010. SEE: http://www.boltofca.com/files/OrderAfterHearingSC.pdf
I rather figure out why the bike went off the road?? He could have been west s dive helmet and still not survived the impact helmets help but are not the real question here?.. Why did his bike go off the road?????
My heart goes out to his family he will truly be missed. -Kelley @ Quaid
I would rather have insurance due to a mandate . Than have no insurance like in the status quo, (like the 40 million Americans who must beg at the ER's)
Insurance is easy, we have it great, if we dont, then the government supplies an equivelent to what others recieve. NOT letting people die by refusing services. IF two doctors say a treatment is needed(if there is even a question)then they pay the bills. Just as it is now with Medi-cal. Such a fricking waste of 4 years.