Husband and wife Robert and Melinda Barney, both 56, of Medford Oregon were riding together on their Harley Davidson motorcycle at about 10:20 am in Utah on September 7, 2010.  They were traveling east on U.S. 40 about 10 miles east of Fruitland, Utah.  The crash occurred when a Toyota Tacoma turned left in front of the motorcycle. The truck was driven by 71-year-old Ralph Keele of West Jordan, Utah. The motorcycle tried to brake but crashed into the passenger side of the truck.

Pic courtesy Utah Department of public Safety

The Mail Tribune wrote: "As teenagers, Robert and Melinda Barney spent their first date on a dirt bike riding up a hill to eat lunch together. Forty-one years later the Medford couple shared their last moments on Robert's Harley-Davidson Tuesday morning when they were killed in an accident on a Utah highway. The couple left behind four sons and seven grandchildren. Ryan Barney, 35, said his parents had differing personalities in some aspects but they were inseparable when it came to the open road..."

By all accounts the Barneys sound like terrific people - like the many people I have met while motorcycling myself in and around Utah.  There is a sense of adventure one experiences when riding a motorcycle.  Whether you ride alone or with a group the experience of riding is, at least for me, one of renewal.  A friend once described his passion for motorcycle riding as one of "blowing off."  When I asked her what she meant she described it as "all of your worries and concerns just blow off as you travel down the road."  That description is how I feel too when I cruise down the road.  Sometimes I ride with a group but most often I ride alone.  I pull over when I feel like it and look at the country.  I feel my worries blowing off.  I am sure the Barneys felt the same.

My thoughts are with the family.  My thoughts are also with Mr. Keele.  I am sure that Mr. Keele never meant any harm.  That being said, can we all just slow down and look?  It is reported that Mr. Keele thought he had time to make the turn before the motorcycle was too near.  If in doubt wait.  Motorcycles are smaller than vehicles and they appear to be farther away than what they actually are.  I emplore anyone reading this article to simply slow down, look - and if in doubt - at all - simply wait before making that turn.

Utah Bike Law and its lawyers are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well. Utah Bike Law and its attorneys are licensed to practice law only in the State of Utah and maintain offices in Salt Lake City, Utah. No attorney client relationship is established by simply visiting this website.

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