Motorcyclist killed in Auglaize crash

ST. MARYS - A Spencerville man was killed Wednesday morning when the motorcycle he was operating struck a dump truck on state Route 197 in Auglaize County.

Ronald Stewart, 57, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident east of state Route 116, north of St. Marys. He was ejected from the 2003 Harley-Davidson and was not wearing a helmet, according to the Wapakoneta post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The driver of the Caterpillar truck, Rolland Rhoades, 46, of Harrod, did not claim injury.

The report said Stewart was traveling west on state Route 197 when he attempted to pass the dump truck as it turned left into a private driveway. The motorcycle reportedly struck the left side of the truck.

The truck sustained minor damage; heavy, disabling damage was noted to the motorcycle.

Troopers said alcohol was not a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

Assisting at the scene were Spencerville Fire Department, EMS and police, and the Auglaize County Coroner's office.

The accident marks the second traffic fatality in Auglaize County this year. Stewart is the sixth motorcyclist to die in a crash in the county since 2012.

A total of 140 people died in 3,651 motorcycle-related accidents in Ohio last year and more than 3,000 people were injured.

"All drivers have a responsibility to look out for one another," Sgt. John Westerfield of the local OSHP post said.

Motorcycles are harder to see due to their smaller size compared with an average-sized car, he told the newspaper. 

"Motorcycles should be operating with a headlight on all of the time, which should aid in being visible by other motorists," Westerfield said. 

He also noted that motorists need to be cautious and ensure they are aware of their surroundings. Prior to making a lane change, turn or entering an intersection, drivers should double check that their actions can be made safely, he said. 

"If everyone on the road remains cautious and has patience with other drivers, this could really reduce the number of injury and fatal crashes," he said.

Westerfield said Stewart may have survived Wednesday morning's crash if he had been wearing a helmet.
   "Helmet use is strongly encouraged for all motorcyclists," he added.

Three motorcyclists from the Dayton area were killed in September in an accident while traveling with other bikers on Interstate 75 near Cridersville in Auglaize County. None of the victims was wearing a helmet when, for an unknown reason, several operators lost control of their cycles.

One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, a second died hours later and a third died several weeks after the crash.

Auglaize County also reported deadly motorcycle accidents in 2012 and 2013, each claiming a life.

The last motorcycle fatality in Mercer County occurred in 2012.

Motorcycle tips for all motorists:

• A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with the privileges of any vehicle on the road.

• Give motorcycles a full lane of travel.

• Look out for motorcycles on the highway, at intersections and any situation involving changing lanes.

• Allow plenty of space in front of the vehicle you are driving and do not follow a motorcycle too closely.

- the Ohio State Highway Patrol