For the second time this week, Las Cruces police are investigating a multi-vehicle crash involving a motorcyclist who was not properly licensed to operate a motorcycle.
Shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, Las Cruces police and fire were dispatched to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of Missouri Avenue and Triviz Drive. A 27-year-old man, operating a Harley-Davidson Sportster, was not wearing a helmet and received multiple injuries. He was initially transported to MountainView Regional Medical Center and then to University Medical Center of El Paso. As of Thursday morning, he was listed in stable condition. No other major injuries were reported in the crash.
Traffic investigators learned a 19-year-old woman driving a white Acura RDX was traveling west on Missouri. At the same time, a Nissan Sentra, driven by a 72-year-old woman, was traveling east on Missouri. At the intersection, the Acura turned left in front of the Nissan. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.
Traffic investigators believe the driver of the Harley, travelling behind the Sentra, tried to avoid the crash in front of him by braking and laying down his motorcycle. Unfortunately, it appears, the motorcyclist was traveling too close to the Sentra to avoid the crash. Police learned the motorcyclist did not have a necessary license to operate a motorcycle in New Mexico.
The crash remains under investigation. Traffic citations are pending.
On Monday, April 26, Las Cruces police investigated a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of El Paseo Road and Boutz Road. In that crash, the motorcyclist also failed to have the necessary license to operate a motorcycle in New Mexico.
New Mexico law requires motorcyclists to obtain what is commonly referred to as a motorcycle endorsement. The endorsement is a license specific to operating a motorcycle. In additional to the requirements of obtaining a valid New Mexico driver’s license, the motorcycle endorsement requires completion of a motorcycle safety course and passage of a motorcycle license test.
Failure to provide proof of a New Mexico motorcycle license, also known as a motorcycle endorsement, is similar to driving without a valid driver’s license. Any motorist who cannot provide proof of a valid license is issued a citation that involves a mandatory court appearance.