Yarnell Hill, on Highway 89 in Yarnell, Arizona, has seen large number of motorcycle accidents in recent times.
It is a five-mile stretch of curving road to the south of Prescott and has long been regarded, by those who know it, as the worst in our state for accidents.
There have been around 250 accidents on this roadway in the last 10 years, resulting in over two-dozen deaths. Of these incidents, a large majority involved motorcyclists.
Arizona Department of Public Safety Sergeant Dan Larimer said that it has been a continous problem that has resulted in some of the most gruesome accidents he has seen in his career.
State transportation records have shown that Yarnell Hill is in fact the worst place for accidents. Sgt. Larimer estimated that at least three-quarters involved motorcyclists that came to the hill to take in the landscape or to race. He revealed:
"You can see them weaving back and forth..warming up their tires."
Although the speed limit on this road is posted at 45 mph, the recommended speed on the curves is at 30 mph.
Larimer said that he sees bikers coming around the bends at 80 and 80 mph. He stated:
"It's like driving a bullet. It's going to go pretty well in a straight line, but if there's a car in front of you, guess what? You're going to hit it."
DPS officers have said that the only way to cut down on this sport is to patrol more often, but that they just do not have enough personnel to do so.
State officials have recognized the severity of the problem and are reportedly getting ready to spend $5.3 million in federal grants to fix up to road, plus an additional $100,000 to recruit more officers to patrol the hill.
This is certainly a huge problem, and as Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney, you see the devastating injuries of that motorcycle accidents can inflict, even at lower speeds.
These individuals that are pushing the limit must know the consequences of their actions, and it is encouraging to see that the state has a plan to help ensure the protection of innocence motorists that pass by on this roadway.
Our Phoenix motorcycle accident law firm will keep you updated as more information becomes available on the fight to protect Yarnell Hill.
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