Motorcyclist dies in crash -- Congressman to blame?

[wx247]

CNN) -- U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow was driving a car that struck and killed a man on a motorcycle Saturday, a South Dakota Highway Patrol official said Sunday.

Randolph E. Scott, 53, of Hardwick, Minnesota, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Janklow, a Republican, was elected to the state's only House seat last year after serving four terms as governor. Attempts to contact his offices in Washington and South Dakota were unsuccessful Sunday.

The incident occurred about 4:30 p.m. Saturday at an intersection of two rural county roads about 10 miles south of Janklow's hometown of Flandreau, Highway Patrol Lt. Kevin Joffer said.

Janklow was slightly injured in the crash but did not require medical treatment, Joffer said. He and a staff member accompanying him were questioned at the site.

Highway Patrol Col. Dan Mosteller said the 63-year-old congressman was tested for drugs and alcohol, but "there is no indication either were a factor."

Blood tests are routine in such cases, and results are typically returned within a week, Moody County State's Attorney Bill Ellingson said.

[rainstorm]

have to see the details

[Stephanie]

Like Rainstorm said, I'd have to see more details as well. Did the congressman go through a red light (if there was one at the rural intersection), etc.? What a shame!

[j]

I have nearly been killed several times at Intersections (I ride)....For some reason, we motorcylists become invisible to motorists, and the majority of accidents occur at intersections.

I approach every intersection with the attitude that the approaching vehicles are out to kill me. This attitude keeps me alert, and one step ahead of reckless drivers.

Never take for granted that they even see you.

The other common scenario is driving beside a motorist. This is again an accident waiting to happen, but in this case I blame the motorcyclist more often than the motorist since automobiles have blind spots. If I'm going to pass a motorist, I do it quickly and always plan an escape route if the motorist decides to change lanes and eliminate me from his road.

[wx247]

Here is an updated article from a local NBC affiliate in Sioux Falls. It leaves me going hmmm...

Congressman Bill Janklow was the driver of a car that killed a man yesterday near Trent.

Jason Melillo, Reporting


Sioux Falls, SD, Aug. 17 - Janklow's car collided with a motorcycle at the intersection of Routes 13 and 14 in Moody County.




Just like last night police aren't saying much about the crash. In fact, earlier today no cars were allowed within several miles of the crash site. Trent Fire Rescue had the road blocked off to allow police to finish their investigation. But, here's what we do know.
The motorcyclist was 53 year old Randolph Scott of Hardwick Minnesota. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Janklow was driving with one of his aides. He was treated and released from a Sioux Falls hospital today. The congressman was tested for alcohol, but so far results of those tests are not available.
It was unusual the intersection was still off limits almost 24 hours after the crash. Lieutenant Kevin Joffer of the Highway Patrol told us the road was closed because police were reconstructing the accident.

[Rainband]

Was the aide Male or female??? Maybe his attention was focused on something else!!! :o

[Stephanie]

Was the aide Male or female??? Maybe his attention was focused on something else!!! :o

May not matter Johnathan

I agree with your post j about motrocyclists. Marty was taught and acts the same way when riding. The lights on the motorcycles were also supposed to help car drivers to see the motorcycles, but now that the newer cars have "daytime" lights, it takes away from the motorcycle's safety feature.