On July 19, 2014, at approximately 5:05 PM, the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Bishop Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call advising of a solo motorcycle collision on a dirt road near US 395 north of the south junction of State Route 158 (June Lake Loop). CHP Bridgeport Area officers assigned to the Mammoth Lakes Resident Post, Mono County Sheriff’s Department, June Lake Fire Department, Lee Vining Fire Department and Mono County Paramedic Fire / Rescue Medic 2 responded to the collision scene.
Upon arrival, officers located the reporting party who stated he had been driving his off-highway vehicle southbound on Inyo National Forest Road 1S105 and came upon an unconscious man lying in the road in close proximity to a blue, 250 cc, Yamaha, off-highway motorcycle. The reporting party then called 9-1-1 to report the collision. The driver of the motorcycle was identified as Mr. Richard Martin Kovacs, age 45, of Canyon Country, California. Mr. Kovacs did not remember the collision and there were no witnesses. Mr. Kovacs was wearing a full-face DOT approved helmet with full off-highway rider protective equipment.
Mr. Kovacs sustained no visible injury. Medic 2 transported Mr. Kovacs to Mammoth Hospital for treatment. Alcohol or drug impairment does not appear to be a factor in the collision. The incident is under investigation by the CHP’s Bridgeport Area. “Mr. Kovacs’ smart decisions wear a helmet and appropriate safety clothing and equipment significantly contributed to his survival. I encourage back county and off-road enthusiasts to enjoy activities in groups, instead of alone,” said R. D. Cohan, Commander of the CHP’s Bridgeport Area office.
Glad to hear he is ok. I know the risk but still often ride alone. It’s better to not have anyone with you when you’re tearing out FOI road blocks 😉
trip trap trip trap…..the trolls always come out for even the smallest story!
If we assume for the moment that the rider is well trained, skilled and careful, visibility is the next big issue. Since 2007 I have equipped all my bikes with DemonLite modulators (for headlights and taillights). They are street legal and make a huge difference in conspicuity. I have ridden… Read more »
Yep, gotta make sure those coyotes see you coming. I’m sure a headlight modulator is helpful off road. Just sayin’ …
It’s about time that the daily business of CHP not be a press release for every incident that happens here. It might be time for media to stop carrying these stories such as a warrant for arrest and motorcycle crash. Really, is this news?
Why do you want them working in secret? Why should we not know what is going on in our community? Yes, it IS news to an informed public.
Tim, As the commander of the CHP office in Bridgeport, I make the list of which events require press releases. I don’t have that list in front of me at this exact moment, but it includes all felony arrests, collisions involving an injury where a party is transported by ambulance… Read more »
Lt. Cohan, Thank you for keeping us informed about what is happening in our communities. As far as I’m concerned we can thank our lucky stars that the local press considers these press releases “news-worthy”. I’m glad I don’t live in an area where stories such as this would be… Read more »
Interesting response to Tim but I have to chime in regarding the folks working in law enforcement. While we all appreciate their efforts, they were not forced to become law enforcement, they knew what the job requires, time away from family, no holidays, and for most, a retirement starting at… Read more »
Tiim, in regards to the press release about the felony warrant arrest of Ralph Kenneth Provident….could I ask you to please enter his name into the internet search engine of your choice? He has had at least one prior “stand-off” with law enforcement. The CHP officers working in the area… Read more »
Lt.Cohan, thou for a minute their you sound like Jack Nicholson defending our Cuban boarders, I do appreciate that you responded here. Knowing you do have set rules on what gets released sounds like you are trying to be fair about your press releases. I learned something today.
Trouble, thank you. I am always willing to provide information. I have a strong belief we are all entitled to understand the manner in which public services, especially policing services, are provided.
News is pretty slow in the Eastern Sierra. It’s either this or nothing.
Why is this called a collision? Is that what a solo moto accident is called? Assuming the law of gravity is still in effect, the rider is going to collide with the earth at some point, but it still seems a strange word to use here.
PoorQuoi, Often the terms and phrases used in law enforcement press releases, and other communications, are reflective of those used in law or a department’s policies. A “traffic collision” is, by definition, an unintentional act related to motor vehicle operation resulting in damage or injury.” An intentional act with a… Read more »
I’ve never understood “on your person”.
Huh? On my what?
Because his head collided with the ground