NFL Player’s Brother in Stable Condition After Motorcycle Accident

Mathias Kiwanuka, the New York Giants defensive end, and his brother Benedict, were riding their motorcycles in Indianapolis on May 28 when Benedict apparently crashed into a car pulling out of an apartment complex. Police indicate that Benedict was not wearing a helmet and was thrown some 100 feet by the impact. Media reports indicate that he was in stable condition in the hospital with multiple injuries including a severe arm injury.

As we’ve noted previously, many crashes occur when a car or truck either pulls out in front of a motorcycle or turns in front of the motorcycle. That may or may not have been the case here. Police are currently investing the incident. That being said, drivers must be extremely vigilant to avoid traffic accidents when the warmer weather brings out motorcycle enthusiasts. Fortunately, report from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that national motorcycling fatalities dropped by at least 10 percent in 2009, and we hope that trend continues.

And even though a helmet is unpopular with many bikers, and is not required by Indiana law other than for beginners, this incident is a reminder that it is an essential piece of safety equipment.

Participation in a motorcycle training course prior to operating on the road is also recommended. American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Indiana is a great resource for training and awareness for motorcyclists.  You can also contact your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles for information about safety courses available in your area.  For the summer travel season, and actually year round for that matter, it should always be safety first. Whether you are operating a car, truck, or motorcycle, no Hoosier wants to wind up as an Indiana personal injury statistic.