James Sims Killed in Motorcycle Accident on Summers Rd in Copperas Cove, TX
Copperas Cove, TX — December 4, 2022, 50-year-old James Sims died in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident on Summers Road in Copperas Cove.
Authorities say the incident happened shortly before 6:30 p.m. on the 300 block of Summers Road. Preliminary investigation and a witness statement suggest Sims was northbound in the southbound lane of the road, against traffic, when he approached the witness' car. She swerved into the center lane to avoid a collision and reported seeing Sims lose control of the bike. He then veered into a nearby utility pole and crashed.
Sims was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation continues. No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on James Sims Accident in Copperas Cove
I'm often concerned with exactly how much attention a motorcycle accident like this one will really get from law enforcement and the public. In my experience people--police sometimes among them--are much too quick to blame a rider for their own crash without knowing all the facts, and reports saying the victim was traveling against traffic probably do little to change anyone's mind.
Before taking that as an indication that the victim was distracted or (for the cynical) intoxicated, however, it's important to consider what else might have made him lose control. Anything from poor road conditions to low visibility to a malfunction or defect in the bike could have sent it left of center, as well as into the utility pole. Many such potential factors need attention to learn and confirm the truth.
Unfortunately police don't always have the time, tools, training, or temperament to ensure nothing important slips through the cracks. That's why I frequently talk about the value of independent investigations when getting people the answers and the help they deserve.
