According to the Las Cruces Sun-News, a motorcyclist was involved in a serious accident after crashing into metal tubing being hauled by a forklift in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Thursday.

Details of the Injury Accident

Bobby Bates, 59, was riding his motorcycle northbound on Harrelson Street when the accident happened. Near the 3400 block, Bates was struck by a 40-foot section of metal tubing that was being transported by a forklift. The tubing was sticking out into the lane of traffic when Bates was hit.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that Bates suffered from severe head trauma and was airlifted to University Medical Center in El Paso. Officials say the man was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The forklift operator was not injured in the crash.

Officials have determined alcohol did not play a role in the injury accident, according to the Las Cruces Sun-News. The crash is still under investigation, and citations are pending.

Motorcycle Crash Statistics

The following information is provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

• 4,295 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2014.
• Helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries.
  • Only 19 states and the District of Columbia mandate helmet use by all riders.
• Per mile traveled in 2014, the number of deaths on motorcycles was over 27 times the number in cars.