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Pursuit of Motorcyclist on Interstate 81 Ends in Fatal Crash

What began with a state trooper spotting an aggressive driver on Interstate 81 ended in a deadly motorcycle crash in Christiansburg on June 2, 2018.

A state trooper saw a man driving a motorcycle erratically on Interstate 81 heading North at 2:51 p.m. The trooper activated his emergency lights in an attempt to stop began pursuing the motorcycle at mile marker 107 of Interstate 81. Reaching speeds in excess of 145 mph, the motorcycle then exited the interstate at exit 118B. The vehicle was slowed by traffic when it collided with a Virginia state police vehicle. The chase then continued onto Roanoke Street, toward Christiansburg, when the driver lost control of the motorcycle and hit a utility pole near Depot Street. The driver, who was wearing a helmet, died at the scene. The driver’s name will be released after next of kin is notified.

The primary cause of most motorcycle accidents is the failure of other drivers to notice a motorcycle on the road or if a motorcyclist isn't following the proper motorcycle safety protocols. According to research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the single most dangerous situation for a motorcyclist occurs when a vehicle is making a left-hand turn. These types of accidents account for 42% of all car-motorcycle wrecks.

If you have been seriously injured or if your family member has been killed in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Virginia or northeast NC, please contact Kalfus & Nachman pc online today or call (855) 880-8163 for a free consultation. We have offices in Norfolk, Newport News, and Roanoke, Virginia.