Goff, a longtime motorcyclist, died in a crash after losing control while speeding in the 14100 block of Judson Road on April 21. According to a police report, he may have been drinking.
He is the eighth motorcycle rider killed in a crash in San Antonio this year, police said. But they also say fatal crashes are on the decline: In 2012, eight fewer people died in motorcycle crashes than in 2011.
Texas is one of 16 states that has seen a drop in motorcyclist fatalities in recent years, unlike the rest of the country, where fatalities are expected to reach a record 5,027 once 2012 numbers are finalized, according to a study released by the Governors Highway Safety Association.
“We don't really know why they declined; the numbers fluctuate every year,” said Barbara Harsha, GHSA's executive director. “The state is probably paying more attention to motorcycle safety, but the most effective countermeasure is mandatory helmet laws for all riders.”
While Texas legislators in 1997 repealed a law requiring all riders to wear helmets, those younger than 21 still must wear them when riding, according to the Texas Transportation Code. Shortly after repealing the law, fatalities in Texas increased, published reports state, and the Texas Department of Transportation took notice.
The agency says an aggressive education campaign that began in 2008 is what's caused the drop in fatalities in Texas.
“We saw these fatalities starting to come up, and we knew that we had to focus on it,” said Carol Rawson, the director of TxDOT's traffic operations division. “There was a focus on this, like a laser. The benefits are coming about now, and 28 people didn't lose their lives in a motorcycle crash last year.”
She said that after interviewing motorists involved in crashes with motorcycles, the drivers often claimed not to have seen the bike, so officials targeted the campaign to better inform motorists. Called “Share the Road,” the effort includes electronic and road signs, advertising and education for both riders and drivers.
Texas motorcyclists aren't required to wear helmets, so long as they complete a rider training program or hold medical insurance covering motorcycle crash injuries. But they are encouraged in safety classes to wear helmets.
Rudy Vogt, 37, said Goff, who was a good friend, was a safe rider who was driving too fast while taking a curve on an unlit portion of the road.
Goff, described in an obituary as a “jack of all trades” who had many hobbies, “the greatest of which was riding his motorcycle,” is survived by his life partner, Angela Kiebler, and sons Anthony Goff and Joshua Mancini.
“He just didn't see the curve, but this could have been prevented,” Vogt said. “I always wear my helmet. I believe in it because my brother got into an accident, and a helmet saved his life.”
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source: My San Antonio (Moravec, 4/29)
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