Driver finds crashed motorcyclist in Vandalia

VANDALIA — A motorcyclist is in serious condition after he was found in a ditch after crashing in Vandalia Thursday.

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Police are working to learn how long the motorcyclist had been in the ditch on Little York Road near South Brown School Road before a driver saw him around 7 a.m.

“The rider had been thrown from the bike and had some pretty serious injuries,” said Vandalia Police Lieutenant Ben Walker.

A passerby was driving to work when he saw the driver and his motorcycle in the ditch and called 9-1-1.

The motorcyclist was taken to Miami Valley Hospital via CareFlight after emergency crews responded.

“There’s a short patch of skid marks that show when he left the roadway,” Lieutenant Walker said. “He realized the road was curving and wasn’t able to negotiate that.”

Investigators did not find a helmet at the scene.

“You’re more likely to survive a motorcycle crash if you’re wearing a helmet,” said Lieutenant Walker.

“I was having coffee on my porch this morning when I heard the police and fire department, and then we heard CareFlight,” Jim Montgomery of Vandalia said.

Montgomery lives near the location of the crash.

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Lieutenant Walker said it’s imperative for drivers to be aware of motorcyclists right now.

“It’s very easy to miss a motorcyclist,” Lieutenant Walker said. “In the warmer summer months, there’s a lot of bikes on the street and you really do have to look twice.”

“I would urge anyone on a motorcycle to ride with caution. It’s fun, but you have to be careful,” Montgomery said. Montgomery said he owns a motorcycle.

The name of the driver has not been released.

There is no evidence to suggest that speed, alcohol or drugs played a role in the wreck.

Little York was closed at South Brown School Road while police conducted their investigation.

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