Two Dead in Largo Motorcycle Trike Crash

On Thursday February 20th, two people riding a three-wheeled motorcycle (trike) died in a traffic accident late at night after their motorcycle crashed into the median as they entered U.S. 19 near 150th Avenue N, according to Largo police.

The motorcycle driver, Gilles Michaud, and his passenger, Mona Dube, both of New Brunswick, Canada, were traveling north on the frontage Road. The driver attempted to enter U.S. 19 when their 2009 Harley-Davidson three-wheel motorcycle struck the raised median separating the highway from the frontage road. Both riders were rushed by ambulance to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where they later died from severe injuries.

According to authorities, alcohol did not play a role in the fatal motorcycle accident. Investigators provided no further details on the nature of the accident, including the ages of the riders involved. It was not stated whether both trike riders were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

• Between 15-20% of all Florida traffic fatalities consist of motorcyclists and their passengers, yet motorcycles only account for about 3.6% of Florida’s motorists.
• In ¼ of fatal motorcycle crashes, the rider crashed into a fixed object such as a telephone pole or concrete bridge abutment.
• Nearly 60% of all motorcycle accidents occur at night, while nearly 50% of all crashes occur on a weekend night (Friday-Saturday).
• The median age of motorcyclists is 42, while the total number of riders over age 45 has increased by 174% in the past 3-4 years.

References:

Tampa Bay Times