2 Maine Residents Have Died in Motorcycle Crashes This Week

Two Maine residents have died as the result of motorcycle crashes in the past few days.

What Happened in Dayton?

The latest crash happened in the town of Dayton on Monday evening. Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss says 18-year-old Ian Lajoie of Dayton died from his injuries at the scene of the crash.

Maine State Police says it appears that Lajoie's motorcycle and a sedan were both traveling westbound just before 8:00 in the evening when the crash happened. Officials say the preliminary investigation indicates that Lajoie was passing in the left lane and clipped the front driver's side of the car as it was turning.

There were three people in the car. They were all evaluated and found to have no injuries.

Wasn't the Earlier Crash in Hancock County?

Earlier this week, a man died in a motorcycle crash in Blue Hill. The Hancock County Sheriff's Office reports the crash happened just after 1:00 Sunday morning on Union Street.

Investigators told WABI-TV that Asher Bowden, 25, of Penobscot was trying to go around a curve on Union Street when he lost control of his bike. The motorcycle struck a utility pole, causing Bowden to suffer fatal injuries.

Both of these crashes remain under investigation.

Is Biker Safety Information Available?

The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety reminds motorcycle riders to ride SMART. The acronym encourages motorcyclists to ride:

• Safely
• Maturely
• Aware
• Respectfully
• Trained

Motorcycle riders can find more safety information on the website for the United Bikers of Maine, as well as a list of motorcycle rider safety courses in Maine.

Drivers are reminded to look twice before turning and always keep your eyes open for motorcycles. Never ride too close to the back of a motorcycle and give yourself plenty of room to stop.

Our condolences to the family and friends of both men.