Richard Fiori Killed Motorcycle, Tow Truck Accident in Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls, NY -- May 22, 2022, Richard Fiori was killed following an accident where a motorcycle and a tow truck collided.
Investigators reported that the crash took place at around 6:00 p.m. near the intersection of Niagara Falls Boulevard and 70th Street, east of I-190.
According to officials, 41-year-old Richard Fiori was on a motorcycle traveling eastbound along Niagara Falls Boulevard. Ahead, a tow truck attempted to make a u-turn, and Fiori's vehicle crashed into the truck.
Due to the collision, Fiori sustained fatal injuries. No further information about the crash is available at this time.
Commentary on Richard Fiori Tow Truck Accident in Niagara Falls
Just to be clear, these reports are far from representing a complete, thorough investigation from experienced professionals. I would never attempt to draw conclusions with so few clear details. But a tow truck making a u-turn on a street like this strikes me as unsafe, regardless of whether or not it was legal. Making sure there are fair and thorough investigations will be crucial, though, considering the simple fact that the victim was a motorcyclist.
Here's why I say that. To be blunt, a lot of people just don't like motorcyclists. They think they're all reckless daredevils that always speed and weave through traffic. Those riders are obviously out there, but I know from the countless folks I've helped over the years that motorcyclists are more often incredibly safe drivers--especially considering how drivers of larger vehicles rarely keep a proper lookout for them.
Despite this, the negative bias persists, and insurance companies know this all too well. They already have the go-to strategy of blaming victims after a crash, but when they know people are more likely to believe those claims about motorcyclists, they're only more dedicated to shifting the blame however they can. Keeping the facts straight means having clear evidence from thorough investigations. Bias may be tough to overcome, but letting the facts speak for themselves is a prudent way to overcome this obstacle.
So while I certainly can't say what did or didn't happen here, there is more than enough reason to ensure experienced independent investigators look into things as soon as possible. Are those steps being taken?
[jump]
