Motorcyclist still critical, facing charges in Hwy. 126 DUII crash
An allegedly drunk, 55-year-old Bend motorcyclist trying to pass three National Guard Humvees on Highway 126 near Redmond encountered an oncoming car, ran off the road and crashed Saturday night, leaving him in critical condition and facing DUII and other charges, police said.
Officers responded around 8 p.m. Saturday to the reported motorcycle crash at the intersection of Highway 126E and Southeast Ochoco Way, said Sgt. Curtis Chambers.
Arriving officers found witnesses treating the motorcycle operator, later identified as Robert Skierkiewicz, who was flown by Life Flight air ambulance to St. Charles Bend, where he remained in critical condition Monday, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
Chambers said a preliminary investigation found Skierkiewicz was heading west on the highway around dusk and was passing a group of three National Guard Humvees as they approached and entered a curve in the road.
The motorcycle left the south side of the road after another, oncoming vehicle approached, Chambers said. He was thrown from his motorcycle and sustained severe injuries.
The Guard soldiers Skierkiewicz was passing included several trained medics, who stopped and provided life-saving care until Redmond Fire & Rescue medical personnel arrived, Chambers said.
Helmet use and type is currently not known, the sergeant said, adding that “alcohol is being investigated as a contributing factor in this crash.”
Because Skierkiewicz was transported by helicopter, Oregon State Police conducted a criminal investigation in Bend, leading to his arrest by citation on charges of DUII, reckless driving and two counts of recklessly endangering another person.
The road was closed in both directions for about a half-hour, when one lane reopened for traffic flagged through in alternate directions. It was fully reopened by 8:45 p.m.
Chambers’ police news release concluded by saying:
“Now that it is spring, the days are getting longer, warmer and motorcycles are once again becoming common place on our highways. Operating a motorcycle after becoming impaired by alcohol or other drug, legal or not, is extremely dangerous.
“Impaired riding often leads to increased risk-taking and higher than appropriate speeds.
“According to the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in fatal crashes in 2013, motorcycle riders involved (killed and survived) in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than any other type of motor vehicle driver (27 percent for motorcycle riders, 23 percent for passenger car drivers, 21 percent for light-truck drivers, and 2 percent for drivers of large trucks).
“Your law enforcement agencies in Central Oregon desire not to have to pick up the pieces of a fatal DUII crash or have to notify your family members of a DUII related fatality or injury. DUII crashes are 100% preventable, if a person makes the right choice not to drive after drinking or using another drug.
PLEASE DRIVE, AND RIDE, SOBER“
