Motorcyclist killed in Morongo Valley crash

A Joshua Tree motorcyclist was killed Wednesday afternoon when he swerved into oncoming traffic while trying to avoid a vehicle, coroner's officials said.

[Kathy Watkins]

It is a shame that drivers are not more cautious in looking twice before they turn in traffic. There it happens again, another innocent motorcyclist loses his life because of lack of information to the public on sharng the road. God bless the parents of this young man, I know what the future will be for them. We had our own 24 year old killed because of a person making a left turn in front of him. She did not have the right of way. He was in his lane going about his day when she took it upon herself to neglect the yield and try to beat the traffic. We still suffer and hurt for our loss and miss him so very much. Please, there is help for parents like us. We started the Dana Watkins memorial foundation. We feel the pain for the loss.

[Mike]

Myself and two other motorcyclists were riding Westbound on Hwy 62 from Twentynine Palms to Yucca Valley. We departed Twentynine Palms at 4pm and I do remember exchanging a friendly wave with a single motorcyclist heading Eastbound from Joshua Tree. It had to have been Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

[D CHAMBERS]

MICHAEL HUGHES WAS A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE FOR MANY YEARS. SIMPLY SAID, HE WAS A GOOD PERSON WITH A GREAT PERSONALITY. HE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED.

[MMark]

This is happening far too often up here in the Morongo Basin- cars making left turns onto 62 right in front of motorcycles who have no time to stop. Sometimes an accident is just an accident, but sometimes it is negligence, and these people should be charged with a crime, if they are at fault. I ride a motorcycle and I always assume a car will try pull out in front of me on 62. I always have an exit strategy in my head. Maybe it will save my life, maybe not. My heart goes out to the families of these riders who lose their lives b/c of someone else's stupidity. If you are pulling out onto Hwy 62 PLEASE look twice before you pull out!! It only takes an extra few seconds.