A 39-year-old motorcyclist was killed in an alleged DUI collision Riverside, authorities said Wednesday.
Christopher Tapia of Riverside was fatally injured at about 8:40 p.m. Tuesday on Van Buren Boulevard at Porter Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A Harley-Davidson motorcycle was stopped at a red light on westbound Van Buren Boulevard when a 2017 Nissan Sentra being driven at an unspecified rate of speed failed to see the motorcycle and struck the rear of the bike, according to the CHP. The impact pushed the motorcycle into the intersection, where Tapia was thrown into 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced Tapia dead at the scene.
The Nissan driver, whose name was not released, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The investigation was ongoing, and anyone with information was asked to call 951-324-7210.
Wow, what a tragedy. Another motorcycle death, not the fault of the motorcyclist, but shows the frailty of a motorcycle vs a car/truck. I don’t know any of the specific details of this accident, so I can only speak in generalities. There is a trend that riders of Harley Davidsons often wear skull caps, the least protective of helmets. Many HD bike customizers downsize the rear lights of their bikes. It’s only physics folks, the smaller the vehicle, the more it will get projected by the kinetic energy. Two tires have much less road grip than 4. Even a 2009 Honda Civic would have offered more protection. My condolences to the family….may the rider RIP.