MANCHESTER – A nice morning ride turned dangerous quickly, after a 68-year-old motorcyclist collided with a deer on Route 70.
The Manchester Police said officers responded to State Highway 70 and Hilltop Road in the Whiting on January 30 around 11 a.m. where the motorcycle accident occurred.
The rider, identified as 68-year-old Deborah D. Shannon of Edison, was found lying in the middle of the westbound lane by police. Officers also found the victim’s 2016 Harley-Davidson FLH laying in the middle road not far from her.
Police confirmed that Shannon was alert and conscious, wearing a DOT approved helmet and leather gear. Although conscious, the victim had injuries on her head, left eye and left leg, and was immediately transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune by medevac helicopter.
After investigation, it was discovered that Shannon was traveling westbound on Route 70 when a group of deer entered from the eastbound shoulder and proceeded to travel into Shannon’s lane. Shannon tried to avoid the deer but failed, resulting in her colliding with a deer and ejecting her from her motorcycle. Police found the deer Shannon hit on the westbound shoulder deceased.
The investigation was led by Patrolman Michael O’Hara of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit. Assisting at the scene were EMTs from the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services, as well as paramedics from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Also assisting were members of both the Whiting and Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Departments.
The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind all motorcyclists to always wear DOT approved helmets and equipment while riding.
