LAS CRUCES – Las Cruces police are investigating a crash involving a motorcyclist for the second time this week.
In the most recent crash, on Wednesday, April 28, a motorcyclist injured following a three-vehicle collision at Missouri Avenue and Triviz Drive. On Monday, April 26, a motorcyclist was injured in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of El Paseo Road and Boutz Road
Neither motorcyclist was properly licensed to operate a motorcycle, police say.
Shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, Las Cruces police and fire were dispatched to the three-vehicle crash at Missouri Avenue and Triviz.
Police report a 27-year-old man, operating a Harley-Davidson Sportster, was not wearing a helmet and received multiple injuries. He was initially transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center and then to University Medical Center of El Paso. As of Thursday morning, he was listed in stable condition, police say. No other major injuries were reported in the crash.
Traffic investigators learned a 19-year-old woman driving a white Acura RDX was traveling west on Missouri. At the same time, a Nissan Sentra, driven by a 72-year-old woman, was traveling east on Missouri. At the intersection, the Acura turned left in front of the Nissan. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.
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Investigators believe the driver of the Harley, travelling behind the Sentra, tried to avoid the crash by braking and laying down his motorcycle. The motorcyclist was traveling too close to the Sentra to avoid the crash, investigators believe.
On Monday, traffic investigators learned a 2018 Honda motorcycle was heading east on Boutz Road and crossing El Paseo Road shortly after 4 p.m.. At the same time, a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by a 17-year-old girl, was traveling west on Boutz Road and turning left, or south, onto El Paseo Road.
Investigators determined the two vehicles collided when the Tahoe turned left onto El Paseo Road in front of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet but sustained multiple fractures to his arms and legs.
The crashes remains under investigation and traffic citations are pending, police say.
Motorcycle endorsement
New Mexico law requires motorcyclists to obtain what is commonly referred to as a motorcycle endorsement. The endorsement is a license specific to operating a motorcycle. In additional to the requirements of obtaining a valid New Mexico driver’s license, the motorcycle endorsement requires completion of a motorcycle safety course and passage of a motorcycle license test.
Failure to provide proof of a New Mexico motorcycle license, also known as a motorcycle endorsement, is similar to driving without a valid driver’s license. Any motorist who cannot provide proof of a valid license is issued a citation that involves a mandatory court appearance.
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