The State Highway Patrol says two people from central Ohio were seriously injured Thursday when their motorcycle struck an SUV that pulled into its path on U.S. 250 just south of the State Route 21 split in Franklin Township.
New Philadelphia Post Sgt. Bill Bower says a 76-year-old New Philadelphia man was pulling out of a business driveway in an SUV when he failed to yield to a 2019 Harley-Davidson driven by 53-year-old Michael Gustafson of Mount Gilead. The motorcycle hit the driver’s-side door and front fender of the SUV.
“We’re still in the process of investigating this crash. We do have video of the crash from local businesses in that area. Gave us an idea of basically what took place out there.”
Gustafson and his passenger, 47-year-old Marie Gustafson, were taken to separate hospitals. He went to Mercy and she was flown to Akron Summa. Neither was wearing a helmet. The SUV driver was not hurt. Bowers says the crash could have been avoided.
“We’re always pushing the ‘Look Twice’ motorcycle campaign throughout the year. Making sure that if you are riding a motorcycle to make sure that you are wearing the core safety gear that way your limiting the injuries if you are involved in a crash.”
Bower says any charges will be determined after prosecutors review the crash report and after troopers confirm the victims’ conditions.
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