BRANCH COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – Three persons were injured Tuesday afternoon in a pair of Branch County crashes.
The first crash involved an SUV and a motorcycle. It was reported on Central Road east of Behnke Road in Ovid Township to Branch County Central Dispatch at about 1:10 p.m.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Office says an investigation by their deputies shows a motorcycle driven by 24-year-old Dylan Smith of Bronson was east bound on Central Road and closely following a pickup truck which according to the Sheriff’s Office obstructed his view. A west bound semi passed Smith. He then swerved out to pass and side-swiped a midsize SUV driven by 60-year-old Kimberly Schoneboom of Coldwater who was also traveling west behind the semi.
The Sheriff’s Office says Smith could not see the SUV because he was following too close to the truck in front of him, obstructing his visibility.
Schoneboom and Smith were both injured in the accident and were taken to the emergency room at ProMededica Coldwater Regional Hospital. Deputies say seat belts and airbags helped reduce Schoneboom’s injuries.
Smith was not wearing a helmet and he was cited by the Sheriff’s Department for not have a cycle endorsement to operate the motorcycle.
Branch County Sheriff Deputies were assisted at the scene by Life Care Ambulance and Lakeland Fire Department.
The second crash involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck was reported at 4:35 p.m. on U.S. 12 and Carey Lake Drive in Batavia Township.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Office reports a motorcycle driven by 33-year-old Robert David of Elkhart, Indiana was heading east on U.S. 12 following three vehicles. All of vehicles slowed as a pick up truck driven by 68-year-old Donald Marks of Bronson had signaled to make a left turn.
David decided to pass the line of cars and did not see Marks left signal. As Marks turned left, David drove into the side of the pickup truck. David was treated by Bronson Fire Rescue for his injuries. Life Care Ambulance later transported him to Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital.
Deputies say their investigation found David was under influence of marijuana which affected the operation of the motorcycle and they will be requesting criminal charges.
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