Iowa's Young Drivers

Steve Lombardi

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 335

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The Sheriff of Boone County reported on a motorcycle-dirt bike crash on D Avenue occurring on Saturday, September 8, 2007.

3:31 p.m.: A motorcycle/dirtbike accident occurred near Perry. Robert Johnson, 54, Perry, was southbound on D Avenue and attempted to pass a dirt bike operated by Cole Mayhush, 11, Perry, who at the same time was making an unsignaled lefthand turn. Mayhush was struck by the motorcycle. Both drivers were taken by ambulance to Dallas County Hospital and later transported to Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines. Damage was estimated at $5,000 to Johnson's 1995 Harley Davidson motorcycle and $600 to Mayhush's 1995 Honda dirt bike. Investigation is continuing.

Young drivers by inexperience alone should be considered dangerous. How this guy could have warned him of his presence other than to beep the horn, I'm not sure. But each has a duty to drive at a proper speed, to maintain a proper lookout and not to turn from a fixed course until it is safe to do so. Either of these drivers could be liable for the other's damages depending on the facts and circumstances.