Motorcyclist Critically Injured In Crash With Tree-Trimming Truck

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries in a collision Friday with a slow-moving truck in an unincorporated area of Sonoma County west of Rohnert Park and Cotati, the California Highway Patrol said. Around 8:30 a.m., CHP received reports that a motorcyclist had crashed into the back of a tree-trimming truck on Canfield Road north of Blank Road, CHP Officer David deRutte said.

According to CHP's preliminary investigation, the large Wilhelm tree-trimming boom truck was traveling southbound on Canfield at a slow rate of speed. The motorcyclist was also in the southbound lane, behind the truck.

"The male rider of the Suzuki motorcycle was traveling at an unsafe speed and attempted to slow," deRutte said. "The rider lost control of the Suzuki which began to slide on its side."

The motorcyclist collided with a tire on the left side of the wood chipper, suffering major injuries.

"The injuries at this time are considered life-threatening," deRutte said in a statement issued at 5:43 p.m. Friday.

"There is no indication of impairment from any of the parties."

Canfield Road was closed until 10:40 a.m. because of the incident.

The CHP did not immediately disclose the name of the motorcyclist or his city of residence, but if Patch hears back with that information this post will be updated.