Major contributors to the accident: 

             1.  Individual was traveling at approximately 70 MPH in a 35 MPH zone.

            2.  Driver of the automobile was executing an illegal u-turn from the right lane across a double solid line.

This is the 13th fatal accident in Napa County this year, the second in the City.

From a local CHP Officer: 

1. The rider had been seen in previous days, blowing some red lights.....although this doesnt factor into the accident...but could relay some of the riders mindset.

2. Rider was doing in the range of 70 mph...based on skid distance, impact, and evidence at the scene.

3. The Lincoln was doing an illegal U-turn, over a double yellow, and based on the angle of the car, probably started her illegal left u-turn, in the right hand lane, crossing in front of the motorcyclist in the left lane.....2 lane road in each direction.

So it appears here that we have alot of mitigating factors that led to this tragedy. First, there was a huge speed violation. He was traveling in the left hand lane, coming up on a car way to fast, that was in the right hand lane. [Driver] in the car, without thinking, decides to pull an Illegal U-turn across traffic, from the right hand lane. Unfortunately, at the speed the rider was going, he never had time to react to the illegal manuever that went down in front of him. He grabbed some brake, we see that skid, but it appears that at the last moment....he let it go.

Motorcycle Operators:  Obey the speed limit, particularly in towns and high traffic areas.  Be aware of the traffic around you because you never know when a car is going to cut you off.  DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE, YOU NEED EVERY SECOND YOU CAN GET IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Vehicle Operators:  Be very aware of your surroundings, the driver of the Lincoln could have been any one of us.  Look out for "Squids" (squirrely kids) like the one in this story who have no regard for the safety of those around them.  You can usually spot them easily, they're the ones riding around with only a tank top, shorts, and flip flops on.  DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE, YOU NEED EVERY BIT OF YOUR ATTENTION TO AVOID INCIDENTS LIKE THIS.

Here is a picture from the scene.

    By Capt. Angela Smith (no relation)

    60th AMW Public Affairs

        Focus in the moment

Staff Sgt. Marcus Smith, 60th Maintenance Operation Squadron who works in Command Post, has 14 years of motorcycle experience but only a half second lapse in concentration led to his motorcycle accident June 24 (2003) on the north side of Lake Berryessa.

"If you're going to go for a ride be aware that something could happen any time.  I ride all the time and it only took one moment", Sergeant Smith said.  He broke his right ankle and got road rash on his left leg when he fell while trying to make a left turn.

The motorcycle was completely wrecked and he damaged his helmet and gloves.  The gear helped protect him.  He was wearing a new, leather mesh jacket with small, armor plates and his only other injury was a small abrasion on his left arm, which healed in a day.  Sergeant Smith is not exactly sure why hi lost concentration but feels riders should stay well-hydrated and use extra precaution on unfamiliar roads.