May 14 Motorcycle Awareness Month
In January 2023, a 20-year-old young man, Rene Gonzalez, was leaving work on his motorcycle. A car did not see him, or thought he had plenty of time, turned left in front of him. Rene was unable to stop in time and t-boned the vehicle. He went airborne over the vehicle and landed on his face. Due to the full-face helmet Rene wears, he is alive.
As a result of a careless driver, Rene spent his 21st birthday in the hospital and is now a paraplegic. I am a close family friend of Rene and his parents. Rene is looking forward to riding again one day. His injuries are extensive, and he almost did not make it. He had multiple facial fractures, punctured lungs, full spine sever, and no longer has a spleen. His spirits are high and the road to recovery will be long and difficult.
You can see in the photos below of his helmet and motorcycle, Rene is lucky to be alive. Please be aware and careful. Bikes are small, but they cannot stop on a dime, we require time. Bikes are small and because of that they appear to be further away than they are.
Motorcycle riders have families and loved ones and we would like to get home to them in the same shape as we left.
