September 22nd, 2008 by R.J.

I read this story today on KTUU and found it pretty disturbing as a motorcyclist.

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - A Las Vegas man has died in a motorcycle crash on the Elliott Highway in Alaska’s interior.

The motorcyclist was identified as 64-year-old Donald A. Cornell of Las Vegas and was pronounced dead at the scene by Alaska State Troopers.

Troopers say the crash occurred when the motorcycle ridden by Mr. Cornell struck the back of another motorcycle ridden by 61-year-old Daniel Vanderhorstof, also of Las Vegas. Vanderhorstof was attempting to turn right to get off of the highway when he was rear-ended.

Both men were thrown from their motorcycles and an investigation estimated that the bikes were traveling no more than 25 miles per hour. Both riders were wearing helmets and Vanderhorstof was not hurt in the accident.

It’s kind of disturbing to know that even a slow-speed crash like that, while wearing helmets, can be fatal. I’ve had friends that were rear-ended by other motorcyclists they were riding with, but thankfully were okay. It makes you really choosy about who you want to be riding with.