A 23-year-old woman was killed yesterday in Arlington after she laid her moped down to avoid a turning car and was then run over, according to police. Officers found her trapped beneath a vehicle near Carter Drive and Sunflower Drive, and she was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Arlington police said the woman was riding a 2026 Yamaha Vino north on Carter Drive when a 2014 Nissan Sentra tried to turn from an alley onto the roadway and pulled into her path. She attempted to lay the moped down to avoid the car, lost control and was run over, according to CBS News Texas. Medics took her to a hospital, where she later died. Authorities said she was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The Nissan driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, and police said no charges have been filed.
Helmet rules and crash safety
Texas law requires protective headgear for motorcycle operators and passengers, with riders 21 and older eligible for an exemption only if they have completed a Department of Public Safety-approved safety course or carry qualifying health insurance, according to the Texas Transportation Code. National data show helmets substantially reduce fatal and serious head injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated helmets saved nearly 1,900 motorcyclists' lives in 2017 and that hundreds more lives could have been saved with universal helmet use, according to NHTSA.
Investigation ongoing
Arlington police are continuing to investigate the crash, and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office will release the victim's name once next of kin have been notified, as reported by CBS News Texas. Authorities said the Nissan driver remained at the scene and was cooperating as officers worked to piece together what happened.
