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Motorcyclist's death is tragically typical
Moorpark man, like many others, thrown from bike
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More from Local NewsThe death this week of a Moorpark man who lost control of his motorcycle and crashed echoes other bike accidents in Ventura County.
Eduardo Altobelli, 39, was riding his 2007 Kawasaki east on Walnut Creek Road near Arborhill Street in Moorpark on Wednesday afternoon when he lost control of his bike in an S-shaped curve and went off the road, said Senior Deputy Tom Wooff of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.
Altobelli suffered multiple blunt-force injuries when he was thrown from his bike, said Senior Deputy Ventura County Medical Examiner Craig Stevens. He was pronounced dead at 6:42 p.m. at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks.
The circumstances of the accident are familiar to local officials. In the past two years, 39 people have died in motorcycle crashes in Ventura County, according to records kept by the Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office.
Of those, at least 14 died when the driver lost control of his bike. The accidents also killed three other people who were passengers.
In most cases, motorcycle riders were killed when their bikes tumbled off roadways or when they crashed into stationary objects.Anthony Krueger, 25, was one of them. He and a passenger were thrown from his motorcycle when it swerved off Country Hill Drive in Moorpark on Sept. 9, sheriff's officials said. Krueger was killed when he hit a tree.
Stevan Nason, 46, was killed Jan. 20 when he swerved into a fire hydrant and a light pole in Oxnard, police said. Thirty-five of the 39 people who perished in motorcycle crashes in the past two years were men. Twenty-three were 35 or older.
National statistics show similar trends. In 2002, the typical U.S. motorcycle owner was 38 years old, married and making $44,250 at a professional or technical job, according to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Altobelli was 39 when he died in the crash. He had just returned from a two-week trip to Argentina, Chile and Peru, said his wife, Laura.
As a regional sales manager for Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Altobelli traveled frequently to Latin America. He had worked for Pentair for 10 years, and Peter Dyke, the company's vice president of human resources, called him an "outstanding employee."
When he wasn't traveling, Altobelli liked nothing more than to spend time with Laura and their 5-year-old daughter, Vanessa, said Kim Broyle, a family friend.
"They were always together, always," Broyle said.
Broyle grew up with Altobelli's wife and met him when they were all in high school in Torrance. She described him as "the life of the party."
Altobelli had owned a motorcycle in his youth and purchased another one shortly before the accident. He had ridden it only a couple of dozen times before he took it for the fatal spin around the neighborhood Wednesday, Broyle said.
Posted by sbrandenburg on May 11, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is best to own a motorcycle only in places where you have long, rural, open roads. Around here, there is just way too much potential for error, and it is way too likely for someone to pull-out in front of you and launch you into orbit. I am so sorry for this man's family, friends and coworkers. Seems like we are always robbed of the best people in the worst ways...
Posted by mesantia on May 11, 2007 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
you can be on a long rural stretch and still have idiots pull out of hidden driveways,or just open their doors without looking. I think more people should be More aware of motorcyclists and bicycle riders.My deepest condolences goes out to the Altobelli family. My brother too was killed on a motorcycle, by an idiot who thought because he was in a car, he had the right of way on an already red light, it really doesn't matter where you are, it's those around you, you have to bbe aware of. Again my condolences
Posted by bugmenot on May 11, 2007 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's summer and the weather is getting warm. There are a lot of motorcyclists starting to pull their bikes out of storage and riding on the weekends. Like the article states, a lot of these riders are older and mature. I've noticed a lot of older riders this weak in shorts and a t-shirt. This is unacceptable! I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH, although the weather is warm...WEAR YOUR GEAR.
Posted by Anita_Corona on May 11, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm always afraid of hitting motorcyclist when they cut between cars because they think because they are smaller they can do it. Worse yet, when they pass between two cars, pretty much riding along the dividing line.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on May 11, 2007 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My condolences and prayers to the family of this man. He sounds like he was a wonderful husband and father! Loved by many..........
Posted by bugmenot on May 11, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I'm always afraid of hitting motorcyclist when they cut between cars because they think because they are smaller they can do it. Worse yet, when they pass between two cars, pretty much riding along the dividing line."
Don't worry about the motorcycle. Just continue driving like normal and don't make sudden lane changes as they approach or pass. The motorcyclist will protect himself. If this wasn't safe, he wouldn't have a bike very long. Hopefully the motorcyclist will only be going about 5mph faster than you. He/She is probably saying in their helmet "don't move" to the cars. This is also completely legal in the state of California.
Posted by Tom_Johnston on May 11, 2007 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anita, they don't just cut between cars between lanes because they are small, and they can, but also because it is fully legal for them to do so. I've been told that this is because the Highway Patrol wants it that way for their bikes.
I might think it a bit crass to refer to anyones death as "typical" but I've seen in other places stories about the growing and aging motorcycle rider generally. The Harley has become a status symbol for older men who are more established. Unfortunetly riding skills and reflexes aren't keep up with the wallets, so many injuries and deaths are in the age group mentioned in the article.
Posted by madmilt on May 11, 2007 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My condolences go to the family and friends of this rider.
There are two types of motorcycle accidents: 1. The motorcyclist is hit by another vehicle at no fault of the motorcyclist. 2. The motorcyclist was riding above their knowledge of the road and its ever changing conditions, above there skill level, above their ability to keep the bike in control, resulting in the “out of control” accidents. (To which I am a victim of an “out of control” crash myself.)
Motorcyclists have yet to perfect their ability to predict what’s coming around the next corner. Until then, riders be smart, wear your gear, and ride within your abilities. I’ll see you out there.
Posted by VeritasLuxMea on May 11, 2007 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The CVC allows motorcyles to share lanes because many of the older bikes were air cooled and needed a constant flow of air to avoid overheating. Like anything, it takes practice to learn how to handle a bike.
As for the deaths due to collisions it comes down to simple physics - soft tissue and bone vs pavement and trees. The body will always lose this match.
Posted by EXPORTSALES on May 11, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a friend of Eddie Altobelli, I was speechless to find out of this tragedy, I stil can't believe it and all I can offer is my condolences and prayers, which I will keep you in Laura, Vanessa and the rest of family. Yes Eddie was a great man, father, husband and definately friend. Eddie if you happen to look down, just know that you were loved and will be missed by many and I can honestly say that you have inspired many people in your life, me included.
I'm going to miss you and I hope that one day the pain in everyone's heart is eased with a smile knowing they had you in their live.
You will always be in my heart.
Manny Vasquez
Posted by ed3173 on May 11, 2007 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am truly sorry for this family's loss. For anyone riding or returning to riding, there is a great website out there, http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/def... that deals with safely riding motorcycles. Read the tips, it will make you a better rider! Ride safe.
Posted by prgmrblu on May 11, 2007 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Always sad to hear a motorcyclist has gone down. No matter the circumstances, my condolences to the family.
For those of you above who think all motorcyclists are irresponsible thrill seekers. Consider that in most cases they are very responsible riders. In fact, motorcyclists pay more attention to the road and what is around them way more then your average car driver that is eating thier lunch, handling the kids, and talking on thier cell phone. We don't ride like we own the road we ride like we are invisible because cars don't look for us.
Lane sharing is legal in this state and safe if done properly, I'm not thinking you see many Goldwings, Harleys, or other large cruiser doing 80 unsafely between the lanes. Harelys are still air cooled and require movement to stay cool, the potential to be rearended is less likely between cars, and we don't have an a/c unit in 118 degrees! If you think it is unfair you can get a bike too.
Age should not be considered the factor. Most 40 year olds are not likely to buy crotch rockets and do 100 + down the street. I know 70 year olds that can out ride most.
The simple fact is if you want to ride...wear your gear, practice your skills, and start on a small motorcycle NOT an extra large cruiser or super fast sport bike. Even if you rode when you were 20 and are getting back into is at 40 your not ready for a shiney new 800 lb Harley right out of the starting gate.
Posted by dknopke on May 12, 2007 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yo Vitto,
How could you do this? You big Goomba! You were such a good friend. You were an inspiration, a joy to talk to!!! Whether it was the lousy Vikings, The Sopranos or the Tenn. Vols (who for some reason you thought were better than the Trojans), we joked, we laughed and told stories.
It was only fitting that you FINALLY won our annual football side bet.
But of course my pain and sadness is nothing compared to that of your beautiful family. I know you are watching down from Heaven to make sure they willl be helped. Well Vitto, as I promised after 9/11, I'll be making sure Laura and Vanessa will be alright. However, I know there is an army of your friends that will be there for them, too.
With football season fast approaching and all the consternation you are causing at choir practice up there with the angels, I'm sure God is wishing he had left you alone for another 50 years.
You promised me you would come and visit me in the old folks home! Not! Anyway, I know that you will be at the Pearly Gates when I arrive. You'll be looking over St. Peter's shoulder and giving him the business because I'm not
"I-talian!"
A couple of days before the NFL draft (we were asking each other how the Vikings were going to screw it up, again), we got off on the subject of family and how important it was. You told me that your family was the most important thing in your life. We both had lost our dogs a fews months before and we shared how hard that had been. I made the comment that life just seems to go along and then in a blink of an eye, something happens and it all changes. Well, Goomba, Wednesday I blinked and my life changed! Now, there is a great void that will never be filled.
Okay, Vitto, I guess I've said more than is probably necessary. It just isn't fair you got that stupid bike!
With best thoughts and all my love, until we meet again,
Your friend,
Vinnie
Posted by NothingButTheTruth on May 13, 2007 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A common theme among many of these posts is that riders should wear safety gear to protect their limbs; and stay away from those phony/unsafe/illegal beanie helmets... it just shows ignorance. Intelligent riders know if their head hits the pavement that ONLY a good, legal helmet will give them protection... and maybe prevent severe and costly (to ALL) BRAIN damage. Splitting traffic is ALWAYS a risk; too often done at excessive speed.
The article regurgitates statistics: Too many guys Altobelli age buy such bikes and SHORTLY after having them crash. Why? Because they work, etc. and don't have enough time behind the handle bars before they choose to get frisky zipping through curves, traffic, parking lots, etc. New bikes and riders are a crash waiting to happen -- owners can't wait to "open them up" and then we have these horrible losses. Come on guys, give yourselves much MORE time... even then don't get too frisky... your families AND friends need you; they don't like losing you.
Posted by ecarson1958 on June 5, 2007 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are two types of motorcycle riders. Those who have crashed, been hit by other vehicles, lost control, etc. etc. The other type of motorcycle riders are those who haven't yet been in an accident. The ground is a short hop from the bike above, and inevitibly all riders will at some time go down.
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