3 Motorcyclists killed in 4 days in SC

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- For the third time in four days, a motorcyclist has been killed in a wreck.

The most recent fatal wreck happened on Pelham Road at about 1 a.m. Monday.

A passerby found the motorcyclist lying in the road. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.

The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Patrick O'Connell of Tigerville. Greenville County Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis said O'Connell was not wearing a helmet. He hit a curb and fell off the bike. He died of head injuries.

Over the weekend, another motorcyclist was killed on Piedmont Highway when he was struck by two cars.

And last week, a Brevard man [STEPHEN] who was riding north on Geer Highway was killed when a vehicle pulled into his path. He was wearing a helmet, but it wasn't enough to save his life. There is no helmet law in South Carolina.

Willi Johnk, the GM of Power Sports of Greenville more and more motorcycle riders are on the roads these days and that the other drivers should be more mindful of them.

Johnk said, "I've seen them read papers, drinking coffee, tlking on the cell phone. Everyone's always talking on the cell phone. It diverts their attention."

He said naturally, it's much harder to see a motorcycle because of its small size, and the speed can be somewhat deceiving.

He said one of the way bikers are making themselves more visible on the roads is with bright colors -- experts say red and yellow are best.

Johnk said he tells all motorcycle riders to always be on the defense, plan ahead and never assume.

He said, "Another thing that motorcycle riders need to do is stay to the left of the lane so that drivers can look in the rear view mirror and see us behind them."

And motorists should check -- and double check -- to make sure that a bike is not in a blind spot.

Copyright 2007 by WYFF4.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.