Winter Texan couple killed in motorcycle crash, driver arrested

The McAllen Police Department has identified the victims of a January car-motorcycle accident as a Winter Texan couple from Iowa.

According to a news release, the victims were 76-year-old Evelyn Baarda, and her 78-year-old husband, Dale. The couple were on winter vacation from their home in Pella, Iowa.

Police say the Baardas were traveling in the 1700 block of S. 10th Street at around 12:44 p.m. when their motorcycle was struck by a Buick SUV. Details of how the crash occurred were not immediately available.

Evelyn was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. Dale, who was identified as the driver of the motorcycle, died after he was hospitalized, according to the news release.

Police say they arrested the driver of the SUV for not having a driver’s license. She is identified as 31-year-old Kenia Marcial Aguilar. The crash remained under investigation as of this writing.

The aging motorcyclist

Motorcycle riding can be a lifetime passion, but as a rider ages, they face increasing challenges to continue their hobby safely. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm, with the help of the Texas Department of Transportation, would like to offer a few tips that can help aging motorcyclists stay safer on the roads.

Changing riding habits

As we all get older, our muscles become weaker, and our eyesight isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Aging riders should make a conscious effort to reduce their time on the road and consider not operating a motorcycle after dark.

Riders should get their vision checked regularly and wear prescribed eyeglasses or contacts when riding.

Hearing aids can help compensate for age-related hearing loss.

Senior bikers should allow extra following distance for increased braking time. Higher speed roads like freeways may also be too challenging. Sticking to familiar areas in daylight hours is safest. Senior riders should also take a refresher riding course.

Medical assessment

Senior citizens should have a regular medical examination at least once a year. A full medical exam should include a thorough evaluation of vision, hearing, reflexes, flexibility, strength, cognition, medications, and existing conditions.

Choose the right motorcycle

Over time, heavy touring bikes with high seats will become more and more difficult to handle. Riders have enjoyed riding a big bike should look for a lighter-weight motorcycle with lower seat heights. They

are easier to control and can be more comfortable than a full-sized touring bike. Automatic transmissions and power steering can also reduce the need for strength when operating the motorcycle.

Know when to stop

With common sense precautions, aging motorcycle enthusiasts can continue riding safely well into their golden years. However, a time will come when motorcycle riding is no longer a safe option. This is true for all of us. Having an open and honest dialogue with family and friends can help you make the hard decision to stop riding when the time comes.

Contact J. Gonzalez

Despite the efforts of even the most-competent motorcycle riders, there may come a time when a collision occurs due to the negligence of someone else. Should that happen to you, you’ll want the J. Gonzalez Law Firm on your side. We’ll protect your rights and develop a strategy to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us today via this website, or by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/mcallen-police-identify-victims-of-deadly-motorcycle-collision?