Check this out....A good read on the horrific accident ...

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Copy / Paste from Cycleriders.com

You can go to the site and see the memorial placed near where the  accident happened.
http://www.cyclerides.com/


Greetings Riders,
 
Well, it has been a very emotional time for motorcycle riders this week as the news of 8 motorcycles getting run over by a dump truck, leaving 4 dead, 4 critically injured, and 1 treated and released was reported and quickly spread through the internet, email and text across the valley. Since hearing of this horrific accident involving these motorcycles, I have been wondering how I would ever put into words what I and many others must be feeling right now. So I have decided to just candidly share my feelings and experiences as it happened over the last several days.
 
The accident happened last Thursday, March 25th at 27th Ave. and Carefree Highway in the Eastbound lane at around 11:30am. About 1:30pm I received a call from a friend that is a Phoenix police officer that works in the air support out of Deer Valley airport. He called to let me know that 10 motorcycles had been rear ended and run over by a dump truck reportedly doing 40 mph and that there were possibly at least 5 dead. He proceeded to tell me the reports about the magnitude of the scene describing it as looking like a war zone with the truck and motorcycles catching on fire. My heart skipped a beat and my stomach sunk in disbelief of what I was hearing, immediately wondering if I knew any of the victims. I asked if there were names released and he said that all he had heard is that there was a Phoenix Firefighter involved.
 
Still in disbelief of the news that I had just heard, I made a couple of phone calls to see if anyone had heard anything else. As all of you know, the motorcycle community is a very close knit group. So it wasn't long after the news started coming out that the telephone tree in the motorcycle world was in high gear. My phone started ringing as thousands of others did across the valley with everyone checking on their riding buddies to see that they were ok. I had one guy call and say, "Thank God you answered the phone, I heard the news and knowing that you are out riding a lot, I wanted to make sure that it wasn't you in the accident". The messages received were similar, just checking status after hearing the news. I know this scene was played over and over as riders were immediately checking on each other.
 
Being a part of this large in numbers, but very small community of riders, I will admit to this news shaking me up pretty good. We all have monumental news moments in our life that we will remember forever. For example, I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news of John Lennon getting shot, or the news of Elvis Presley passing away and even as a small child, my first grade teacher telling us that our president, JFK had been shot and killed. The circumstances with this accident were so horrific, and the magnitude so large, that for me this will rank up there in the category of knowing exactly where I was when I heard the news.
 
That Thursday evening at the Westgate Bike Night, the talk of the riders was about the accident and if there had been any names yet released. All we really knew was the original report of five was now lowered to 3 confirmed dead and that 2 others, including Phoenix Fire Captain, Ernie Lizarraga, were in very serious condition and were hanging on to life. Names were later released and it was confirmed that 67-year-old Clyde R. Nachand, 52-year-old Stephen Punch and 35-year-old Daniel L. Butler had died at the scene. Dayle Veronica Downs-Totonchi, 47, died at the hospital Friday evening from extensive injuries suffered in the crash. According to reports, the motorcyclists in this group were members of the Phoenix M.C. Kruzer's and Phoenix Motorcycle Riders Group at meetup.com and were on their way to Bartlett Lake for an afternoon ride.
 
Friday was a somber day for me and most in the riding community as news was still sinking in and being deciphered about the accident and trying to find out more information on the injured. The news programs were reporting non stop on the crash when late Friday night it was released that Dayle had passed away from her injuries. It was like another dagger when I heard that seemingly restarting the grief that I had felt over the last 30 hours.
 
This is how close knit the motorcycle world is. Within 24 hours of this accident, the Phoenix Motorcycle Riders Group and others put together a Solidarity ride in honor of these riders that started in 2 locations and ended at the Roadrunner Saloon in New River. Several hundred riders showed up on Saturday morning to pay their respects to the fallen and make a donation to help the families involved. It was amazing and heart warming to see so many, in such short notice to come out and with a visible show of support. It never ceases to amaze me how big the heart of the riding world is.
 
After spending some time there talking with friends and acquaintances, I decided to take a ride by myself to clear my head a bit and digest what had happened over the last 48 hours. It was a beautiful day for a ride as I took the back way to Carefree Hwy. by way of 7th St. and then on to Cave Creek for a burger. Knowing that could have been any one of us stopped at that light, I just really wanted a moment to take an extra special look at the mountains, enjoy the scenery and  take time to give thanks for it all.
 
On the way back to the West side I decided to take Carefree Highway to the scene of the accident at 27th Ave. and Carefree Hwy. to pay my respects. As I pulled up, there were motorcycles and riders there doing the same. Over the last 48 hours there had been a memorial started on the corner with flowers, teddy bears, and even a motorcycle seat. In a mesquite tree there were several bandanas tied in the tree as well as bandanas tied around the light pole next to the street. My plans were to only stay a couple of minutes, but I found this to be such a healing experience seeing all of the love that has been given to these people, that I ended up staying 30 minutes just hanging out, talking with other riders and letting it all sink in. If you haven't been by there yet, I would suggest riding by and seeing it for yourself. It was the start of my path to healing and recovering from the shock of this horrible event. (See Photos of Memorial)
 
I didn't personally know Clyde, Stephen, Dan or Dayle. But I'd say it is very possible that at some point I have laid out my left hand to acknowledge them as they approached, gave them a nod at a stop light, or greeted them at a bike night or an event. Even though I didn't know them personally, it is possible that our paths have crossed somewhere along the road or maybe in this newsletter, but I consider them part of my motorcycle family and grieve for them just the same.
 
There have been some tell me that this news shook them up so bad that they are not ready to ride yet. I will admit, that when I hopped on the bike Saturday morning to go to the Solidarity ride, I didn't feel afraid, but I did have a heightened sense of awareness of what was going on around me. It seemed like I was much more in tune with what the cagers were doing around me. That is a good thing. Unfortunately in this case, this group didn't have any chance against an out of control dump truck behind them at 40mph.
 
We don't know the reasons things happen the way they do and can't explain it. What we do know is that some day it will all be revealed. We don't know why this man decided to move papers around and not pay attention to the road and kill 4 innocent people. I seriously doubt that he woke up on Thursday morning and made that his goal for the day. But he is guilty of doing something that we have all been guilty of before, and that is being distracted while driving. Be it answering the phone, changing a radio station, a CD that has fallen on the floor or a child in a car seat. It only takes a second and we have all been there, but have gotten lucky that we didn't cause any harm. Hopefully we can become better drivers as well as riders as a result of this.
 
It is not my job to judge the driver of this truck. His punishment will come in many ways going forward. But after witnessing Mrs. C. being rear ended by a girl likely texting, I can relate to the rage that is felt against this guy by family and friends. Even though it was unintentional, it was also avoidable, and that is the point that we have to drive home to all motor vehicle drivers including ourselves. We need to slow down our lives and make driving our number 1 priority in a vehicle. 
 
Finally, I would like to say to the family and friends of Dan, Clyde, Steve and Dayle how sorry I am for your loss. Standing at the site of the crash, I have said a prayer for all of you to receive the peace and strength from our Lord to get you through these very difficult times. I am grieving with you. Mrs. C. and I both extend our heartfelt condolences to all of the families of the fallen and pray for quick healing for the others that were injured. God Bless us all as we ride on.
 
Updates:
 
There have been some updates and new events announced in the last couple of days. I would encourage everyone to check my Cyclerides.com Facebook for news in between newsletters. Even if you don't have a Facebook account, you can still read my updates. view photos and comments by riders. If you do have a Facebook account, Become a Fan. Go to http://budurl.com/CycleridesFB.
 
Condition Updates:
It is now being reported by John Fox of the Phoenix Motorcycle Riders Group that there were actually 10 bikes and 10 riders. Here are their updated conditions. Dan, Clyde, Steve passed at crash site. Dayle passed in hospital on Friday, Ernie Lizarraga is better, but still serious. Julie and Terry are still in hospital, but expected to be release maybe at the end of the week or next week. Jason was released. Todd was treated and released the day of the crash. Will was not injured.
 
This is an update from Ernie Lizarraga's oldest daughter on Monday. "Hey everyone, I'm Ernie Lizarraga's oldest daughter and I just wanted to update his other family. As of last night he's still in critical condition, but he's stable and taking tiny steps forward everyday. He's still "asleep" from the impact as well as the medicines but last night was taking Dr.'s commands by raising 2 of his fingers. He'll get through this, it will just take a while."
 
Related Events:
Candlelit Vigil at Connolly's Sports Grill - 6PM, Thursday, April 1st. Vigil will be held at 7:15 PM. Come give respect to our fellow riders & their family members, who are in need of support from the community, & need prayers to fully recovery from this recent accident. Connolly's Sports Grill is located 2605 W. Carefree Hwy., Phoenix, AZ, 85085.
 
Funeral services for one of the fallen motorcyclists, Clyde Nachand, a decorated Vietnam Veteran and Patriot Guard Rider, have been planned for Thursday April 1st, 10:00am at Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ. The Patriot Guard will participate in the services.
 
Donations:
A memorial fund through Wells Fargo has been established. It is "FMVF" (Fallen Motorcycle Victims & Families). Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo location. The account # is 3598879181
 
Media Links:
AZ Central
TV3
ABC 15 Report
See all media that I have posted on Cyclerides.com Facebook
A very good video tribute to the fallen. Click Here
Photos from the Solidarity Ride. Click Here

[Popeye]

Thanks for the post Joe.  I know that since this accident happened, I am checking my mirrors more that ever before.  I also told everyone I know that rides about this accident and to please ride safe.

I am always amazed at how quickly the biker community comes together in times like this.  There is
a ride in Illinois on May 1st for Anita (can't remember he last name) who was killed at a light because a lady was polishing her finger nails.  I will find the info and post it for the Illinois riders.

Please be careful out there.

Popeye

[sandy]

Thanks for caring and posting that Joe. My friend who was suppose to be on that ride, but had to work, is still crying. She has ridden her Wing recently. I'm glad it didn't scare her off the bike.

[Kendall]

Great Western Biker from here in Az rides with that group also but wasnt that day.   Great Western Biker posted on the Az board asking folks at the request om thier group to tie a black bandana on your left fork..   http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_arizona.cgi

[big turkey]

 

Tip from Al.

When the light is yellow twist the wick and don't get hit by the dumbie in the cage.

It ain't worth that red light ticket you might or might not get,,,, if you slam on the brakes and loose

your life, instead of the fifty or so dollars the red light Bandits charge and split it wiht the city.

Those redlight cameras are causing lot's of rear end accidents and they should be illegal.

If you see a vehicle veering down on you, either jump off the bike to the right or turn right and

hit that throttle to get to a safe place, even a ditch is safer thatn under a truck or car.

Split second timing and a little play it out in your mind scenerio could make the difference.

But I am a firm believer when it's time to go and meet your maker it is not in your hands any longer.



Just thinking out loud.

Al

[Quicksilver]

After reading about the accidents I have paid closer attention to the riders I see on the roads. The view from the rear is typically a small light with a lot of black above. It is difficult to determine if the bike is being ridden solo or 2 up. The point is the bike rear is small and typically black. We blend in too easily with the background. I use a T Bag on a rack, and have since added a safety suspender device around my T Bag. The green ones with a silver flourescent center stripe. It may not be cool but it sure improves my chances in being seen, both during the day and especially at night.

[Cruzen]

I appreciate the updates and information.  I do disagree with one statement.

Even though it was unintentional, it was also avoidable.  As soon as someone diverts their attention from their duties driving then the result is INTENTIONAL.  This has to be stressed!

An accident is an unfortunate event leading to loss or damage of property or life that occurs despite someone taking all precautionary measures.  This driver did not take all precautionary measures therefore it was not an accident.  It was a calculated risk that he could reach his paperwork before a problem occurred and he failed to do so and because of this four people are dead, seven more have had life changing experiences and the rest of us have had reason to reconsider what we enjoy doing so much.  I ride 364 days per year and every day I seem multiple examples of drivers taking these calculated risks that threaten our lives.  The question is how long are we going to put up with it.

Instead of memorials I would rather round up the legislatures, by force if necessary, and take them to the morgue and have them actually touch the bodies of the deceased.  Feel the burned remains and grind that into their minds so maybe then they will be motivated to do something about such situations.  Memorials are fine but all the crying never did anything to right such wrongs. 

My solution is as with open liquor in most states, prior to driving, all cell phones, business related items, food items  or in women’s cases, purses should be locked in the trunk.  Trucks would have an external box to store such items.  If you want to access these items you pull off the road. No ear phones or devices that distract from you ability to hear would be used while the vehicle is moving.  Radio volume would be restricted to a sensible level.    This is the only way to minimize the opportunity for such occurrences.  If they are not ready to take such actions then their just not ready to stop such slaughter.

[Quicksilver]

This accident in particular will stay in all of our memories for the rest of our riding life and driving life for that matter. It will affect how we conduct ourselves when riding in groups. We will tell others who are not aware of the accident, just what happened and that we must ride in such a way as to prevent it as much as possible. That is a significant memorium. Any legislator who hears of this story should feel a shudder and feel the anger that all riders feel when we learn about it.

[Westernbiker]

Great Western Biker from here in Az rides with that group also but wasnt that day.   Great Western Biker posted on the Az board asking folks at the request om thier group to tie a black bandana on your left fork..   http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_arizona.cgi

Thanks Joe, I read that when it came out on cycle rides. Barry the owner operator of that site is a truely great guy, I have met and talked to him on many occasions. He does allot for the motorcycling community here in Arizona, can't thank him enough.
Kendall I am doing pretty good, thanks for asking. Dayles husband Paul is haveing a rough go at this and hopefully time will heal his wounds. This new news out about the driver being on METH! really pisses me off. I am thankful that I could not get the day off to ride with them. I had thought about going but just could not swing it. They say all things happen for a reason but for the life of me I will never figure out why this had to happen.

[sandy]

I agree with this statement. For many years, I've worn white helmets and I add reflective tape all around the helmet. In addition, my upper body clothing is a bright color and/or reflective. I've never been accused of fitting in with the norm, but not many drivers miss me in busy traffic. We wear camoflage to keep the enemy from seeing us. Why do we wear black at night???

After reading about the accidents I have paid closer attention to the riders I see on the roads. The view from the rear is typically a small light with a lot of black above. It is difficult to determine if the bike is being ridden solo or 2 up. The point is the bike rear is small and typically black. We blend in too easily with the background. I use a T Bag on a rack, and have since added a safety suspender device around my T Bag. The green ones with a silver flourescent center stripe. It may not be cool but it sure improves my chances in being seen, both during the day and especially at night.