News | Peachtree City

PTC man survives motorcycle crash

Wed, 04/25/2007 - 9:23am
By: John Munford

A Peachtree City man says he owes his life to his motorcycle helmet.

Richard Skinner, 61, was riding his 2003 Honda DTX Sunday afternoon when he stopped on Ga. Highway 74 to turn left into the Gilroy’s hardware store area. A 18-year-old driver in a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse struck him from behind, sending Skinner flying into the car’s windshield and onto the pavement.

The collision knocked him unconscious, and Skinner was flown to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment. Skinner said Wednesday that he has several cracked ribs but he is recovering at home.

“If it wouldn’t have been for that helmet, you wouldn’t be talking to me right now,” Skinner said, noting that as an avid motorcyclist he has been to Bike Week in Daytona Beach, advocating the use of helmets to fellow riders.

Skinner noted that he took a motorcycle safety course and scored a 100, but none of that knowledge protected him during the crash. His helmet did protect him, and the beating it took forced it to crack into pieces, Skinner noted.

The driver of the car, Duncan James Conner, 18, of Pickets Row, Peachtree City was charged with following too close. Police measured the skidmarks created by Conner’s car, noting that the skid marks measured 65 feet prior to the impact and continued another 30 feet beyond the point of impact.

Conner told police that the motorcycle "stopped suddenly" in front of him and he couldn't slow down to avoid the collision.

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Thank GOD!
Peachica's picture
Submitted by Peachica on Thu, 04/26/2007 - 2:44pm.

Mr. Skinner I am so glad to learn that you are alive and well!
My children and I saw the aftermath of your accident. We were caught up in the traffic jam it created but we just assumed it was more road work. We saw the helicopter take flight and then your bike lying in the street. We were so saddened and scared for you and prayed right away for your recovery. My children were worried that someone was going to lose their Daddy.

We've been searching the paper everyday hoping to hear anything about the accident. We are so relieved that you are okay!

May God bless you even more than He already has!

- Peachica

*************************************************
I'm a spiritual being having earthly experiences


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Not enough info to judge
Submitted by tms3 on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 6:27pm.

I agree with most of the comments on here - following too closely happens too often, Mr. Skinner is lucky to be alive, and others.

However, it seems like everyone is being a bit tough on the 18-year old. Don't you think he regrets the incident enough without having to read comments from people calling him a moron?

There is a disclaimer in the Cop Reports/Arrests (0425) that says the people arrested should not be presumed guilty.

I didn't see the accident. I also didn't see the arrest reported in PTC on April 15. A motorcyle safety class might also cover the dangers of drinking and driving, but it is just another example of how knowledge alone can't protect a driver, passenger, rider, or pedestrian.

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Yeah, right
Submitted by tonto707 on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 4:58pm.

skidded 95 feet and there was nothing he could do to avoid the collision.

Gimme a break, he had to be doing in excess of 60 MPH. Someone tell the kid that keeping his vehicle under control is one way to avoid accidents.

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This is a common problem in
ftp's picture
Submitted by ftp on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 12:55pm.

This is a common problem in this city. People have a tendancy to follow motorcycles too close. Remember, most motorcycles do not need to use the brake mcuh to stop or slow down. Slowing down is often handled by downshifting. A 350 lbs bike can stop in 20% of the distance that is needed by a 7000 lb. SUV.

Have a heart folks. Most of us on bikes have wives, kids, and family to go home to. 2/3 of bike accidents are caused by other drivers.


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Distance, distance, distance
fancypants's picture
Submitted by fancypants on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 11:53am.

I notice it all too often that cars are driving way too close to the vehicle in front of them. Keeping your distance to the vehicle in front of you is probably one of the most effective ways to avoid an accident.

I'm glad Mr Skinner was not killed and I hope Mr Conner will have learned a lesson he will remember for the rest of his life.

PS: Given that it took him 95 feet to come to a full stop, I wonder how fast he was going in that 45mph area?


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Stopping Distance
Submitted by bladderq on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 1:11pm.

I found a chart that shows a 75' distance @ 30 mph & a 120' @ 40. Doesn't look like he was speeding. Did the motorcyclist signal (is it 500 ft before?)? You'll always be the one at fault in a rear-end collision.
What's this next blog about Maxwell about? He's no longer the city judge.

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Driving to close
Submitted by Flydecajon on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 1:01pm.

I just wonder if Commissioner Maxwell will have time to take this case as well as serve the people

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Can you cite
Submitted by tonto707 on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 4:55pm.

any reason commissioner Maxwell shouldn't take the case? Are you insinuating it's o k for 18 year olds to slam rear ends with immunity?

That was a pretty stupid post, fly on the wall.

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