A 69-year-old motorcyclist died after a single-vehicle crash Wednesday night on Eden Road in Lewis Township, Brown County, according to state troopers. The rider, identified as David E. Harris, was on a 2012 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide when he failed to make a curve, sending the bike off the roadway into a ditch, where it overturned. Harris was first taken to Mount Orab Mercy Hospital, then flown to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where troopers say he died from his injuries on Thursday.
Troopers say rider lost control in curve on rural road
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported the crash happened just before 6:30 p.m. as Harris was traveling west on Eden Road near Marks Road. Investigators say he "failed to negotiate a curve," and the motorcycle went off the left side of the road, hit a ditch and flipped, according to WCPO. Troopers also noted Harris was not wearing a helmet at the time, and said the Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.
Emergency crews rush victim from scene to hospitals
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Georgetown Fire & EMS responded to the crash and assisted at the scene. Crews transported Harris to Mount Orab Mercy Hospital, and from there, he was airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, WLWT reported. OSHP investigators remained on scene, and troopers say the crash is still under investigation.
Helmet rules in Ohio and the safety numbers behind them
Ohio law requires motorcycle helmets only for riders under 18 and for those with a "novice" motorcycle license designation, but does not mandate helmets for experienced adult riders, according to Ohio Revised Code §4511.53. Public health research has long found that helmets sharply cut the risk of death and serious head trauma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates helmets reduce rider deaths by about 37 percent and the risk of head injury by roughly 69 percent, figures officials often cite when pushing for helmet use and broader helmet laws. In statements to local outlets, troopers have listed the Georgetown Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol as the office leading the investigation into Wednesday’s crash.
