LOCAL NEWS

Tragic weekend on Utah’s roads as three motorcyclists lose their lives

Apr 23, 2018, 6:06 PM | Updated: 10:03 pm

SANDY, Utah — It was a deadly weekend on Utah roads where three people were killed. All three of the deaths were motorcycle riders.

As the weather warms, more riders are on the road and safety officials worry the number of fatalities will only rise. One company is doing their part to help protect everyone on the road.

At Harrison Eurosports in Sandy, Vance Harrison’s love of motorcycles is only rivaled by his love of customers.

“Thanks for coming in,” said Harrison, as he smiled and shook the hand of someone walking through the door.

One of Harrison’s favorite areas of the store is a wall filled with pictures of smiling riders aboard their newly purchased bikes.

“This just represents happiness and I love it,” Harrison said.

Business is booming for the Sandy dealership as the snow melts and warmer temperatures move in.

“The first sunny day, everyone breaks out and just gets their bikes out,” he said. “It just gets the fever going.”

A few years ago, the way Harrison Eurosports did business changed.

“We had lost a couple of customers and had some fatalities in one season,” Harrison said. “It was just one after the next and it really affected our staff. We felt responsible in one way a little bit.”

So, they started offering free safety courses to their customers and they’re seeing a difference.

“We just assumed everyone knew how to ride and that is the furthest thing from the truth,” he said. “We really need to have (safety classes) be mandatory.”

Making safety classes mandatory is something that Troopers with the Utah Highway Patrol would like to see as well. Right now, riders are only required to pass a brief test at the DMV.

“A lot of people who have their bikes put away for the winter and they’re just now bringing them out, and you know, that is a perishable skill,” said Sgt. Danny Allen with UHP.

Sgt. Allen believes the responsibility doesn’t fall solely on the rider and this past weekend is proof of that.

“Two of those crashes was a car turning left in front of the rider,” Sgt. Allen said.

Ryan Smith, a 38-year-old from South Jordan died Sunday night in one of those crashes. He leaves behind a wife and daughter.  The Smith’s have set up a YouCaring page to help his family.

“People in their cars have to be vigilant and be actively seeking out motorcycles,” Sgt. Allen said.

Word of the three deaths over the weekend hit hard for the guys at Harrison Eurosports once again.

“I watched that news story last night and it broke my heart,” Harrison said. “They were even wearing helmets.”

Both Sgt. Allen and Harrison want to see change and more awareness on Utah’s roads, whether it’s behind the wheel of a car or on a motorcycle.

“It’s really all our jobs to looks out for each other,” Sgt. Allen said

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

The owners of WaterCreek Nails and Spa said a break-in resulted in thousands of dollars worth of da...

Shelby Lofton

Downtown nail spa broken into, hate speech spray-painted on the wall

The owners of WaterCreek Nails and Spa said a break-in resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage, but the hate speech left behind made the situation worse.

7 hours ago

A Utah Highway Patrol vehicle in Salt Lake City is pictured on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. (Deseret Ne...

Mark Jones

UHP trooper injured in collision with alleged DUI driver

The Utah Highway Patrol says a 24-year-old man was taken into custody early Saturday morning after he was allegedly driving more than 100 mph and attempted to elude authorities.

9 hours ago

City officials in Eagle Mountain say a family of nine has been displaced following a house fire Sun...

Mark Jones

Eagle Mountain family safely escapes house fire, crews prevent home from being total loss

City officials in Eagle Mountain say a family of nine has been displaced following a house fire Sunday afternoon.

11 hours ago

Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Jeffrey R. Holland (center) records a histor...

Tad Walch, Deseret News

‘I’m planning on eternity’: President Holland rededicates historic St. George Utah Temple

President Jeffrey R. Holland rededicated the St. George Utah Temple, the oldest operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after a major renovation.

12 hours ago

Viktoria Tibbitts, center, with her sister and mom. A fundraiser was held Sunday for Viktoria, who ...

Brianna Chavez

Dozens show up to Riverdale Denny’s to support employee hit by truck

A busy Sunday is meant to be expected, but this Sunday's workday was much more meaningful for employees at the Denny's on Riverdale Road.

13 hours ago

Lloyd D. Newell, the announcer and writer of the weekly Music & the Spoken Word broadcast for the p...

Devin Oldroyd

Lloyd Newell announces departure from ‘Music & the Spoken Word’

After 34 years, Lloyd Newell, host of the Tabernacle Choir’s “Music & the Spoken Word”, announced he is concluding his service next year.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

Tragic weekend on Utah’s roads as three motorcyclists lose their lives