Monday, February 17, the Texas Department of Public Safety were dispatched to an accident involving a truck and a motorcycle.
The accident occurred on Farm-to-Market Road 920 just north of Weatherford around 3:20 p.m.
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The preliminary report that was put together by the Texas Department of Public Safety concluded that 40-year-old James L. Hopkins of Weatherford was driving southbound on Farm-to-Market Road 920.
As Hopkins went to make a left turn, he failed to yield the right-of-way to a northbound traveling 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle being driven by 73-year-old Wayne T. Cook, also of Weatherford.
As the truck turned left, Cook’s motorcycle did not have time to stop and he collided with the Dodge truck. Cook was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
The reports did not state if Cook was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
Texas law does not require operators of motorcycles to wear a helmet as long as they are over the age of 21 and have completed an approved safety course. In lieu of the safety course, they can meet the requirement for no helmet if they are covered by an insurance policy for their motorcycle.
Riders under the age of 21 are always required to wear a helmet and no one under the age of 5 is permitted to be a passenger.
Part of the safety campaign in Texas is reminding drivers to watch for motorcyclists. Remembering to keep safe distances and to watch for turning motorcycles keeps everyone safe on the road.
It is unclear at this time if Hopkins sustained any injuries in the collision or if he will be facing any charges for the accident and his failure to yield, which essentially caused the accident.
Police are still investigating and will update once the preliminary investigation is completed.