A 44-year-old Cleveland man was killed Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 26, in a motorcycle crash on SH 146 just north of Hardin Elementary School, marking the second fatal motorcycle crash in Liberty County in less than a week.
The crash occurred around 12:42 p.m. as Martin Christopher Spaulding was traveling south on SH 146 on a 2001 Honda motorcycle.
According to the crash investigation, Spaulding was traveling through a slight curve in the roadway when he attempted to pass another vehicle and entered the northbound lane. An oncoming vehicle was approaching at the time.
Spaulding reportedly took evasive action and entered the northbound ditch, where he lost control of the motorcycle and struck a metal fence. He died at the scene.
The driver of the oncoming vehicle also took evasive action and was not considered a contributing factor in the crash.
Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Cody Parrish pronounced the Spaulding deceased at the scene and ordered an autopsy.
The crash was investigated by Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Natalie Aguirre. Trooper Dearsai Thaggard and Sgt. Rob Willoughby assisted with the investigation.
Hardin Volunteer Fire Department, also known as Liberty County Emergency Services District No. 7, assisted at the scene, along with the Pct. 3 Constable’s Office and Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.
The fatality comes just days after another motorcyclist was killed in a crash on SH 105 at CR 2075 in the Moss Hill area. Lamar Shelton Bear, 22, of Saratoga, died Friday night, Aug. 21, after his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck that was turning onto CR 2075.
With two motorcyclists killed on Liberty County roadways within days of each other, Texas Department of Public Safety officials are reminding both motorists and motorcyclists to use caution.
“This time of the year motorcycles are more prevalent on the roadways. Motorists need to stay aware and take a second look and always verify because of the small footprint of a motorcycle,” said Sgt. Robert Willoughby, supervisor of the Liberty County Office of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Willoughby said motorcyclists also need to consider their own safety and the safety of others while operating their motorcycles and avoid reckless driving that could put themselves or other motorists at risk.
Everyone on the road needs to drive with caution, Willoughby said.
People mowing need to make sure the grass isn’t going towards the roads too. If u hit the grass it can slide it’s like being on glass or loose gravel. Please don’t mow towards the roads.
What should we do when it rains or the roads are iced over?
[…] to the crash investigation reported by Bluebonnet News, the rider was traveling south on SH 146 when he reached a slight curve in the road and attempted […]