Motorcyclist severely injured in Soscol collision

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Tuesday, May 08, 2007

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By MARSHA DORGAN
Register Staff Writer

7 p.m.A motorcyclist suffered massive head injuries when his bike was hit by a construction utility truck on Soscol and Maplewood avenues in east Napa during the evening commute hours on Tuesday.

The name of the male victim, who paramedics said was in his 40s, and the truck driver were not available on Tuesday evening.

Four St. Helena nurses who were following the utility truck saw the accident. Two of them administered CPR until paramedics arrived.

One of them, Dyan Vicencio, said the victim was unconscious the entire time she and Carlee Frailey administered CPR.

Vicencio said the victim was making a left turn onto Soscol Avenue from Maplewood Avenue. “It looked as though he thought he could beat the truck, but he didn’t. The truck driver didn’t have a chance to stop in time.”

The victim was wearing a beanie helmet. His tennis shoes were wedged under the mangled motorcycle.

“He’s in very critical condition. When he was transported into the ambulance, he had a heartbeat, but we were breathing for him,” Napa Fire Battalion Chief Dan Hall said.

Soscol Avenue was closed in both directions from Lincoln Avenue to Carolina Street and not expected to open until 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at the earliest.

56 comment(s)

sorry wrote on May 8, 2007 8:43 PM:

" Another example of our underated nurses, cops,and firefighters who daily provide quality of life services to the citizens of our community. Thank you for your selfless acts. "

Amelia wrote on May 8, 2007 9:35 PM:

" If not for those nurses and his helmet, that man probably would have died. I hope that he makes a full recovery. "

arlene wrote on May 8, 2007 9:38 PM:

" IF THIS MAN MAKES IT ITS BECAUSE GOD SENT HIM 4 ANGEL THANKS FOR LOOKING OUT FOR HIM I DONT KNOW HIM BUT MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIM AND ALL OF HIS FAMILY "

Obey the law. wrote on May 8, 2007 11:22 PM:

" Okay. I am sympathetic. Really. My thoughts and prayers are in my heart for the man and his family. But tell me you don't see daily these motorcyclists roaring down the streets, weaving in and out of traffic with no thought of anyone but themselves and their "good time on the bike." The good samaritan nurse is quoted: “It looked as though he thought he could beat the truck, but he didn’t. The truck driver didn’t have a chance to stop in time.” I hope he lives. I hope he can ride again. I hope this is a lesson to all motorcyclists. "

Dangerous street wrote on May 8, 2007 11:35 PM:

" The lesson as I see it is that stretch of Soscol,we need some more stop lights there. My daughters friend lives at Kentwood, what a nightmare trying to get out of there during rush hour!! People regularly make a mad dash to turn onto Soscol believe me, this poor soul is not alone. "

Rider wrote on May 9, 2007 1:20 AM:

" It sure is nice that ALL motorcyclists have “Obey the Law” as their moral compass. Apparently in “Obey the Law’s” world ALL motorcyclists are self-absorbed speeding squids, or maybe ALL motorcyclists are loud pipe knuckle-draggers. What “Obey the Law” does not notice is the vast majority of safe, lawful riders -- and that’s when most lawful riders get hurt, when people like “Obey the Law” don’t notice. "

MORE stoplights? wrote on May 9, 2007 6:57 AM:

" You will have more accidents; the difference will be they will occur at signalled intersections. And they'll occur because those on the side streets will know lights are timed for Soscol, so missing a green light will result in a long wait - the side streeters will try and sometimes fail to beat the light. The accident occurred during commute time. More signals will mean even more intersections where cars wait during non-commute times, idling in front of empty intersections wasting gasoline while waiting for the green light. The motorcyclist made a mistake, a big one, and he's lucky his foolhardiness didn't cost him his life. "Obey the law" is dead on. As gasoline prices go up so do the numbers of ill-trained motorcyclists. "

mominapa wrote on May 9, 2007 7:06 AM:

" I sincerely hope the biker lives, but my real sympathies are for the truck driver. He was turning and the biker tried to beat him. Bad judgement on the part of the biker that might affect the truck driver's whole life if the biker dies. Only a full recovery would vindicate the truck driver if only in his own mind. I don't blame him at all. Wrong place, wrong time, that's all. Poor guy. "

Obey the law 2 wrote on May 9, 2007 7:17 AM:

" I could not agree with "Obey the law" more. I moved to the area a number of years ago... and am STILL speechless of how motorcyclists ride out here... and apparently it's legal?? I think in this specific situation, more traffic controls would have definitely helped, but I think what also needs to be looked at is the way motorcyclists use our streets as if it was a video game course. I just pray I'm never in the situation of the utility truck driver. Any onre of us could be in his situation. He's got to feel so horrible. I hope the motorcyclist pulls through this and can share his new story... "

Scared wrote on May 9, 2007 8:48 AM:

" I know the man who was injured. He is one of my friends. He is actually only 25 and not 40. I hate that this was most likely his fault. My thoughts and prayers are definetly with him and his family right now. I'm hoping that he makes a full recovery, but as of now it looks really touch and go. To everyone who rides a bike this summer or whenever, PLEASE be careful. Be considerate of the road and be aware of your surroundings. Noone is invincible. "

driving to fast wrote on May 9, 2007 8:51 AM:

" I was hit 3 years ago coming out of the kentwood apartments turing left onto Soscol. The truck that was coming towards me was at the next block up when I pulled out to get into the divider lane and bam, a little Honda CRX traveling VERY fast plowed into me at like 50+ mph. Insurance still said I was at fault. Well, what happens when you cant see them cause they are traveling so fast and changing lanes to avoid slower traffic? Its a lesson much learned and am very careful now. "

A Motorcyclist wrote on May 9, 2007 9:03 AM:

" Beanie helmets are useless. They are not even DOT or SNELL approved. It is the law to wear approved helmets for a reason. My sympathies to the man and his family. But I hope that others may learn from this about wearing proper protection EVERYTIME you ride. It's still a gamble with the proper gear. Ride Safe. "

AJ wrote on May 9, 2007 9:39 AM:

" I would also like to thank the police, firefighters and these wonderful nurses for all they do for our community.NOW IF EVERYONE WILL JUST SLOW DOWN -LET SOMEONE GO IN FRONT OF YOU- STOP AND LET THEM OUT OF A DRIVEWAY-BE NICE FOR A DAY AND SEE IF IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE AND IT MIGHT MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD! hope the victim recovers. "

no wrote on May 9, 2007 9:58 AM:

" The last thing we need in napa, and especially on soscal is more stop lights. Traffic around here is getting worse and the combination of more lights and lousy intersection design (trancas/soscal and big ranch) is a recipe for gridlock. Motorcycles are inherently dangerous and riders accept that when they get on. "

No more lights wrote on May 9, 2007 10:25 AM:

" People need to stop being in a hurry. If you have that hard of a time getting across a busy street, take a right and use an alternate route. It will only take a couple of minutes longer. NO MORE TRAFFIC LIGHTS. "

CD wrote on May 9, 2007 11:25 AM:

" Please let us pray for this young man and his family.(He is only 25 year old)An unfortunate accident such as this reminds us all to drive safely whether we are on 2 or 4 wheels. "

... wrote on May 9, 2007 12:01 PM:

" hopefully he will fully recover !! However Soscol does not need any more stop light or stop signs. accidents happen. "

Michael wrote on May 9, 2007 1:06 PM:

" As a motorcycle enthusiast, I recognize it's enough of a risk to be on two wheels, when most people around you are on four - including heavy armor. It demands of us the more extreme approach to caution, an acute awareness of our surroundings, and the realization that when flesh meets metal, the former always loses. While this will - and should - remind my contemporaries to always exercise the highest level of caution & safety, I hope this also reinforces these same responsibilities with my four-wheeled companions. Please watch out for us!! "

Please Pray wrote on May 9, 2007 1:38 PM:

" Greg and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope he makes it through this. "

two words wrote on May 9, 2007 1:41 PM:

" Beanie Helmet "

friend wrote on May 9, 2007 2:03 PM:

" my prayers are with you greg, and your family. "

Alma wrote on May 9, 2007 2:20 PM:

" My heart goes out to the motorcyclist and his family. Also to the poor truck driver, who is obviously suffering for what happened. May God help you get past this terrible incident. "

Now is not the time to judge wrote on May 9, 2007 2:33 PM:

" Why doesn't everyone stop for a minute and think....Greg is not the first person to make a dumb mistake. We ALL have at one time or another and for most of us luck was on our side. Regardless of his horrible decisions at that moment no one with half a heart would wish the injuries he has right now on anyone!If he survives this - and right now it could really go either way - he will forever be effected by his bad judgement.Physically and mentally and emotional if he has that capacity. That moment has change his life and his families forever. Lets think of his mother, father and son! I feel horrible for the driver.What he went through can not be comprehended by most. That is a torment that will forever haunt your mind. He is in family and friends thoughts and prayers. I guess my point is, life is life and lets not down play it by choosing this time to focus on who wears what kind of a helmet, where the stop lights are located or how the "typical" motorcyclist conducts himself. Please pray for everyone involved! "

Friend wrote on May 9, 2007 2:42 PM:

" Greg is a very strong and young man. He has all of us praying for him. "

napaparent wrote on May 9, 2007 3:04 PM:

" As being a resident of NAPA for more than 30yrs., napa needs to do somemore updating on our roads. first of all, my prayers go out to the motorcycle rider & the utility truck driver. thank u to dyan(my old neighbor) and carlee for stopping, caring & helping, but napa public works needs to take a longer look and put a 3-way stop @ central & soscol!!! from lincoln to pueblo it is a speed trap. see how fast we can get from the lights at lincoln to the lights at pueblo doing 50 & 60mph while talking on the cell phone, yelling at kids in the car, doing your makeup, weaving in & out of traffic while your speeding. if you are not smart enough to see people(children)are trying to cross going to school or coming from school at central & soscol, u shouldnt have a drivers license. remember pedestrians have the right of way in calif. even the VINE Buses dont stop, and they also run red lights. the posted speed limit on soscol is 40mph. kids are afraid to cross cuz some drivers dont care. before the pedestrians(children) get all the way across the crosswalks people are inpatient and start driving across. napa p.d. motorcycle officers can't sit there all day watching drivers, because the problems stem all over town. i am not saying the m/c rider or truck driver were at fault, but there are motorcyclist & bicyclist & scooter riders on the road everyday. be aware of your surroundings when driving before making your lane changes, and use turn signals!! "

Bob wrote on May 9, 2007 3:46 PM:

" An observation: I was at the accident scene just after it happened. If I counted cocrrectly there were two fire engines and 8 to 10 police cars. Then an ambulance tried to get to the injured man but all the other emergency vehicles were blocking the way. Is it normal to have so many emergency vehicles arrive at one accident? "

msandoval wrote on May 9, 2007 5:01 PM:

" greg is a good dude, my thoughts and prayers are with him and his fam...ill be riding for you brotha.... "

friend wrote on May 9, 2007 6:16 PM:

" I really hope that he recovers and i pray for all of his family. If the family reads this please find a way to communicate the updates to everyone because he has friends that are concerned about him who do not always keep in touch with him but still care and love him. my prayers are with all of you "

amsorry wrote on May 9, 2007 6:25 PM:

" this is truely a sad thing,but also we as drivers can do oour part too to keep the streets safe by slowing down and looking out for others.our thoughts and prayer's go to both family's and thank you to the nurses,cops and firefighters who saves lives,and for not giving up.and for the driver you have your life ahead of you,we hope you make it through this one.it wasn't your fault. "

Timmy wrote on May 9, 2007 7:37 PM:

" I've been to similar accidents where the police just make it a more chaotic scene. All they need to be doing is patrolling traffic and keeping the scene clear. Insead most of the time every cop hears the accident on their radio and wants to show up to see what's going on. Then when they get there they park in some ridiculous way that is not necessary at all that just causes a mess just like Bob mentioned. "

FAITH - LIVE BY IT wrote on May 9, 2007 8:18 PM:

" GREG IS STRONG AND HE'S A FIGHTER..IF YOU KNOW HIM YOU KNOW HE WILL PULL THROUGH.. THERE IS NEVER ROOM FOR DOUBT WHEN IT COMES TO GREG.. HE AND HIS FAMILY ARE IN ALL OF OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS. WE LOVE YOU... LISA & ROB - CENTRAL PA "

Ida st resident wrote on May 9, 2007 11:40 PM:

" This accident is proof of the inherent risks that we take each day when we get into our vehicles. For me being not one block from the accident upsets and scares me. After all the police and county workers had left the scene I took my daily walk and looked at where hours before had been an unfortuante accident. Spray paint markings and a bit of debris was all that was left in a place where one of our fellow human beings had been fighting for his life. I am asking all of those who step into a car or straddle a motorcycle every day to remember all those who die from these kinds of incidents, dont be in a rush to get ahead of a slow car and dont be going to fast to be able to stop in time for someone else. walking home from the site it felt strange to see cars speed over where the injured man lay, I felt remorse and anger at the same time. I always keep a fear in my heart of how dangerous vehicles can be and what they can do to our frail human bodies. This fear is not all consuming, it simply keeps me aware of my surroundings and remeinds me of the humans traveling all around me just living their lives. "

HMMMMMMMM!!!! wrote on May 10, 2007 4:43 AM:

" You know, years ago when I vacationed in Oahu, HW . During morning and afternoon rush hours, you would find the main streets whis cones down the middle of then. Why(?) you say. Well the State put them out at those given times of day because there is NO LEFT TURNS during those hrs. Thats right yes I said right "RIGHT TURNS ONLY". It made so much sence. Seriously, think about it, how many of the accidents during the rush hours of the day are caused by "Left Turns" what is the percentage, can anyone tell me? "

Katie wrote on May 10, 2007 9:34 AM:

" Greg is a wonderful guy and he will pull through this, he has to. I've known him close to my whole life and he doesn't give up. If there is a chance, he will not pass it by. Please pray for him and his family. They need all the prayers, love and support they can get right now. "

just a friend wrote on May 10, 2007 9:37 AM:

" I want you to be okay... I hope your going to be okay... I'm not the praying type but I'm praying for you. "

femalefriend wrote on May 10, 2007 9:42 AM:

" For all of you who are worried about more traffic lights and the other driver...You need to stop and think about Greg, the motorcyclist. Here is a man fighting for his life and you are talking about an extra minute in a different direction or unwanted traffic lights. What if that was your son, husband, boyfriend or father. Would you be saying the same thing. You all just need to pray for Greg! He is strong and will make it, he doesn't need to make it to "tell his story". He loves life and loves his son. That is why he needs to survive. All you criticizing the helmet or the way he turned (which you weren't there and don't know what happened) need to seriously take a look at yourself and be ashamed that you are complaining when a man is struggling to stay alive! "

Confused wrote on May 10, 2007 10:06 AM:

" I don't understand how it is so easy to convey symathy for this motorcyclist. He was rushing into traffic to beat a truck. He put his life as well as the others cars that he collided with on the line. If this was reversed and a truck hit a motorcyle... would anyone give sympathy to the truck driver? At what point to we have to be responsible for our own actions. I hope that the motorcyclist comes out of this ok and is able to relay the message of safe motorcycle driving to other riders. "

update please wrote on May 10, 2007 10:29 AM:

" can somebody that knows Greg please update us on his condition. Been praying and hoping for a full recovery. "

Old friend wrote on May 10, 2007 4:32 PM:

" To Greg's family- Jackie, Garrett and Greg's kids Gabriel AND Portia... Our regards go out to you all. Keep your heads up and be strong, he needs you. "

Naparest wrote on May 10, 2007 5:52 PM:

" People of Napa (well California) just dont look for motorcycles. Get off the cell phone, remove the dog from your lap, put down the book and use your mirrors (all three of them!). If this done more often then maybe bikers will be safer! GET WELL SOON! "

friend wrote on May 10, 2007 7:15 PM:

" from what I have heard Greg is not in stable condition. If anybody knows different can you please post. Thanks...Greg still needs all of our prayers so please keep praying "

Still Confused wrote on May 10, 2007 7:57 PM:

" Naparest... This has nothing to do with drivers using their mirrors or talking on cell phones. This has to do with wreckless motorcycle driving. Why is everone blaming the vehicles? "

to still confused wrote on May 10, 2007 11:05 PM:

" An accident is an accident- doesn't matter who hit who. What's most imporntant is this young man is fighting for his life right now.Have some compassion for him, his family and his friends. "

Opiniagirl wrote on May 11, 2007 9:07 AM:

" Drive defensively and hope for the best. I try to make sure the motorcyclist feels safe around me. I am surrounded by steel and airbags. So I drive carefully when around a motorcyclist. I stay back, slow down and make every effort to make sure they see me. I can't tell you how many times defensive driving has saved me from an accident with motorcycles or otherwise. Still no matter how defensively you drive, occasionally someone makes a choice that compromises your ability prevent tragedy. You don't know what is going on in the mind of the person who is speeding down the street. Unless they are psychopaths there is a reason. They are late, they are rushing to a sick or injured love one...you never know. Give people the benefit of the doubt. I once was pulled over for speeding on my way to administer medication to my child who was having an allergic reaction. The officer was awesome and even led the way for me. In that moment I wasn't thinking about anyone other than my toddler. People can misjudge. People make mistakes; we just pray they don't pay for them with their lives. We continue to pray for Greg and his family. I was at the accident scene when this tragedy struck. My kids watched him receive CPR, I had to move my van so the firetruck could get through....the whole time I was thinking...God please, please hear my prayers and save that man! My kids were profoundly impacted. Greg has been in their prayers since that day. Talking about this will hopefully save lives in the future. "

Doesnt matter? wrote on May 11, 2007 9:52 AM:

" If is didn't matter who hit who why are the police going through an investigation and not just deeming it an "accident"? Becuase it does matter. Wreckless driving puts your life and the others around you at risk. Can anyone image how the poor guy who was driving this utility truck feels? No one is conveying him sympathy. Witnesses said the motorcycle pulled right infront of the vehicle and didn't have enough time to stop. What a horrible situation... "

bestoffriends wrote on May 11, 2007 11:16 AM:

" This accident has really affected my life. Being as close to Greg and his family as I am it hurts to see some of these people say such mean things. Greg needs all the support we can give him right now. Dont focus on whose fault it is or how it happened. What is that going to do for Greg? Just Pray. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. JUST PRAY! "

Albert wrote on May 12, 2007 4:23 AM:

" Regarding Hmmmmmm that is an interesting idea. What is the difference between the cost of employing a crwe to put out cones for a No Left Turn time zone as to what it cost for all the hours the different city a public dept put in at this accident . "

im praying wrote on May 12, 2007 11:06 AM:

" No one knows who's fault it is all we know is there is a man fighting to live. We need to stop judging and start praying. Greg has always been such a strong man in my eyes. So full of life hardworking and such a great father. Jackie I love u you r an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers r with you and Greg and the little ones. A r all in my heart. Ari "

TOO...BOB. wrote on May 14, 2007 12:31 AM:

" BEING A FIREMAN IN NAPA THE ANSWER IS YES IT IS NORMAL, FOR THE POLICE I DONT KNOW, BUT LET ME REMIND YOU FIREFIGHTERS ON THESE ENGINES ARE PARAMEDICS TO. GREG MUCH LOVE BOY IM PRAYING FOR YOU EVERY DAY! "

wondering wrote on May 14, 2007 9:46 AM:

" Does anyone have an update on how Greg is doing now.... "

Concerned wrote on May 14, 2007 12:47 PM:

" Can anyone update us on Greg's condition. Still praying for him and his family. "

Truck Driver wrote on May 15, 2007 9:26 AM:

" I am so sorry that you had to go through that hell. I know that Greg isn't blaming you. He knows that you couldn't stop. His eyes meeting yours just as it happened. Greg please don't stop fighting for your life. Everyone keep talking to him, he does hear you. Just love him lots. Truck driver: There wasn't anything even superman could have done!! We love you Greg!!!!!!!! "

Heavy Heart... wrote on May 15, 2007 11:35 PM:

" Greg is still in critical condition and in the intensive care unit at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. His condition has improved very slightly since being admitted. No flowers and no visits from friends - unless accompanied by one of his parents. All we can do is keep him in the forefront of our thoughts and prayers, he needs them now more than ever. These are the times that leave you wishing you had had more contact with some of the people you knew the longest... Someone should get a myspace page up and running to keep everyone informed... "

Enraged and concerned motorcyclist wrote on May 15, 2007 11:42 PM:

" Wow! What incredibly prejudiced remarks I see here!! I cannot believe those of you who are judging ALL motorcycle riders by the few who are a problem! My husband and I both ride and we are law abiding, careful, considerate riders, and we ride with many others who are the same. But, I could tell you so many stories about how automobile drivers have cut us off by switching lanes on us without even turning their heads to see if there was anyone there and several other scenerios! I have been run off the side of the road and almost crashed and run into so many times I've lost count!! Would it then be fair for me to say that ALL car drivers are rude, inconsiderate and dangerous? No! How DARE you judge all of us the way you have! And how rude is it to be squabbling over this issue and the question of who was at fault while a man's life is hanging in the balance! I am sure that his family does not care about any of that right now, only that he LIVES to regret his mistake! And, yes, he made a mistake. In reality, the only people who can judge him for that are those of you who have never made a mistake in your lives. How many of you are there? I truly feel for the driver of the truck that was involved in this accident. I am praying for you as well as for Greg and his family. Please remember that it was an ACCIDENT. Those happen to everyone. Stop discussing fault and spouting stupid generalizations and just start praying for and supporting those who have been affected by this incident. No one really cares about you right now-we only care about Greg, his family and friends and the driver of this truck. Grow up people! "

another napan wrote on May 16, 2007 10:45 AM:

" John, the utility truck driver, is also a motorcyclist. This must be a very rough time for him. To wake up one day as if it is any other day and then have your life changed forever in one single instant. And Greg and his family will never be the same. I will be praying for all of them. Please take your time on the roads. Be courteous, be safe. "

The Roth Family wrote on May 18, 2007 10:22 AM:

" Greg and his Family have been part of our lives for many many years. We know Greg will pull out of this just like he has done many other times. We pray for Greg and his family and if you need anything just call we are here!!!! "

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