According to Pottsville Police, the collision took place on Monday, August 21, 2023, around 2:30pm, at an intersection on High Park Manor.
According to police, a 2011 Ford F-250 pickup truck, operated by 24-year-old Kristopher Russell from Orangeville, was hauling a trailer as it attempted a turn from the thru-way onto High Park Manor's eastbound lane. Unfortunately, the maneuver left the trailer obstructing the entire westbound lane of High Park Manor.
As the trailer blocked the roadway, a 2015 Honda motorcycle driven by Gary Klinger, a 55-year-old resident of Mar-Lin, was traveling westbound.
As the trailer blocked the roadway, a 2015 Honda motorcycle driven by Gary Klinger, a 55-year-old resident of Mar-Lin, was traveling westbound.
The available sightline between Klinger and the obstructing trailer was reportedly around 100 feet.
In an attempt to avoid the impending collision, Klinger made a split-second decision to lay down his motorcycle on the pavement. The motorcycle slid approximately 55 feet, first on its right side and then on its left side, until it collided with Russell's trailer.
Schuylkill EMS arrived at the scene and attended to Klinger, who suffered significant injuries due to the impact.
Schuylkill EMS arrived at the scene and attended to Klinger, who suffered significant injuries due to the impact.
Klinger was rushed to a nearby helipad, where a helicopter transported him to Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest for medical care. Meanwhile, neither Russell nor his front seat passenger sustained any injuries in the accident.
Klinger's motorcycle sustained substantial damage in the collision and had to be towed from the scene. Russell's trailer suffered minor damages but remained operational and was driven away from the incident.
Pottsville Police filed a traffic citation against Russell for the offense of Vehicle Entering or Crossing Roadway. Additionally, upon inspecting Klinger's driver's license, it came to light that he did not possess a valid "Class M" license required for operating a motorcycle.
Klinger's motorcycle sustained substantial damage in the collision and had to be towed from the scene. Russell's trailer suffered minor damages but remained operational and was driven away from the incident.
Pottsville Police filed a traffic citation against Russell for the offense of Vehicle Entering or Crossing Roadway. Additionally, upon inspecting Klinger's driver's license, it came to light that he did not possess a valid "Class M" license required for operating a motorcycle.
Further examination revealed that the motorcycle's registration had expired, and the mandatory financial responsibility (insurance) was also no longer valid. Consequently, traffic citations were issued against Klinger for several violations, including Proper Class of License Required, Registration and Certificate of Title Required, and Required Financial Responsibility.