MU freshman involved in speed-related crash Monday

The student suffered abrasions and possible bone fractures..

By Katherine Miller

Published Dec. 9, 2008

Freshman Robert Durrett, 20, was involved in a motorcycle accident Monday afternoon, according to a Columbia Police Department news release.

Officer Brian Tate, the crash investigator, said Durrett was the only person hurt, and speed is believed to be the main contributing factor of the accident.

"Right now, initially, it indicates he was driving above the posted speed limit," Tate said.

Police said Durrett was traveling westbound on his 2005 Suzuki motorcycle along the 5100 block of Interstate 70 Drive when he lost control of the bike and slid 250 feet before coming to a stop on the side of the road.

The exact speed the driver was going is still unclear.

"I haven't returned to the scene and taken measurements so that I can accurately determine an exact speed," Tate said.

The motorcyclist was taken from the scene to University Hospital. The extent of the injuries appeared to be non-life threatening.

"Abrasions and bone fractures are what I was told by the attending physician," Tate said.

The driver was wearing a helmet but no other motorcycle safety gear.

Motorcycle crashes are about as common as any other crash, Tate said.

"Obviously, with the rising gas prices, more people are riding motorcycles, but I think nationwide, there's an increase of crashes involving motorcycles," Tate said.

Police are still investigating the specific details of the crash.

"At this point, there don't appear to be any criminal charges," Tate said.