NJ man dies in NY motorcycle accident

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A car accident in Sloatsburg, New York took the life of 48-year-old Douglas Daniele on Wednesday afternoon. Daniele was the founder of the North Jersey Mountain Biking Club and a father of two. According to a police report, the accident occurred on Route 17. Daniele had been riding his motorcycle north when a Honda Civic driven by a 17-year-old girl from Carmel, also travelling north on Route 17, collided with his motorcycle. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find Daniele next to his Harley-Davidson. After the accident, Daniele was taken to a hospital in Suffern, and was pronounced shortly after arriving. The girl refused medical treatment at the scene of the accident. Police have not released the identity of the girl, and sources said that no summonses have issued in connection to the crash. According to Ramapo police Sergeant Mark Briggs, the Accident Investigation Unit is still trying to determine the cause of the accident. According to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, motorcycle accidents have increased in recent years. Around 22 percent of motorcycle deaths involve riders who don't have a motorcycle endorsement on their motor vehicle driver's license. Around 21 percent of these types of accidents involve speeding, around 27 percent involve alcohol and around 23 percent involved drivers with previous license suspensions/revocations. Motorcyclists should, of course take precautions to protect themselves from accidents. Wearing proper gear, including a helmet, is one aspect of this. Defensive driving, ensuring visibility on the road, appropriate following distance, driving in safe conditions, and skills and training courses are ways to improve motorcycle skills. Drivers of other types of motor vehicle should be sure to be alert for motorcyclists and anticipate hazards. Sharing the road well goes a long way in preventing accidents. And even then, not all accidents will be avoided. Source: NorthJersey.com, "Douglas Daniele, bike club founder," Karen Studol, Sep 2, 2011.