Local motorcycle club cautions drivers after string of deadly crashes over holiday weekend

CHARLOTTE — It has been a deadly holiday weekend for motorcyclists in our area, with officials reporting four deadly crashes involving motorcycles.

It’s prompted one local motorcycle club to speak out about measures people can take to keep everyone safe.

Paramedics said one of the crashes happened Saturday evening on Interstate 485 in southwest Charlotte. The others were overnight in Salisbury, Lancaster and in York County.

Tim Hunter, a member of the Punishers Motorcycle Club, told Channel 9 he felt it necessary to urge drivers to be more careful after the crashes.

“My interest is to try and encourage some of the citizens and motorists to take an extra look,” Hunter said. “Look twice, you could very possibly save lives.”

Hunter said he has been riding bikes for more than 20 years and has a law enforcement background. He said the number one thing that people can do to make the roads safer is to put down their phones and concentrate on driving.

“If you’re operating a car or truck of four wheels or more, it’s your responsibility to get out there on the highway and look out for bikes,” Hunter said.

He said that advice goes both ways -- and he encouraged bikers to be vigilant as well.

“The people who are riding on two wheels need to ride as responsible and safe as possible,” Hunter said.

Christy and Kevin Leonard told Channel 9 that they have been riding motorcycles for more than 25 years. They said it’s scary out there.

“If I come upon an intersection and a dude is pulled up at the side. I’m looking for a way out. I’m looking for somewhere to go if he pulls out in front of me,” Kevin Leonard said.

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