PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) -A man who was at Pigeon Forge’s Rod Run event is dead after he crashed an electric scooter into an open car door Thursday, according to the Pigeon Forge Police Department.
The crash happened near the intersection of Jake Thomas Road, PFPD said, when the passenger of a stopped truck opened the truck’s door. The man, 31-year-old Jeremy Hanes Jr. of Charlestown, Indiana was riding the scooter on the Parkway between the white line and the sidewalk when he hit the door, PFPD said.
**Man on Scooter Injured in Traffic Incident Near Parkway and Jake Thomas Road**
In an alarming incident reported near the Parkway and Jake Thomas Road, a man traveling on a scooter was seriously injured when a vehicle abruptly opened its car door into his path. The unexpected obstruction caused the man to collide with the door, resulting in significant injuries that required immediate medical attention.
The accident, which occurred during peak traffic hours, has raised concerns about the safety of scooter riders and the importance of road awareness among all vehicle operators. Witnesses at the scene described the incident as sudden and unavoidable, with the scooter rider having little to no time to react to the opening car door.
**Incident Details and Response**
According to police reports, the vehicle involved was parked along the roadside when the driver, seemingly unaware of the approaching scooter, opened the door directly into the path of the oncoming rider. The collision was forceful, causing the scooter rider to be thrown off his vehicle and onto the pavement. Bystanders quickly rushed to the man’s aid and called emergency services.
Paramedics arrived promptly and provided first aid before transporting the injured man to a nearby hospital. The severity of his injuries has not been fully disclosed, but initial reports suggest multiple fractures and possible head trauma.
**Witness Accounts**
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic moments following the collision. “It happened so fast. One moment he was riding, and the next, he was on the ground,” said one witness. Another bystander emphasized the need for greater caution, stating, “Drivers need to be more careful when opening their doors, especially in busy areas like this.”
**Police and Safety Measures**
Police officers at the scene conducted preliminary investigations and took statements from witnesses, including the driver of the vehicle. No charges have been filed at this stage, but the incident has prompted a review of local traffic safety measures, particularly concerning the interaction between parked vehicles and scooter or bicycle riders.
Authorities are also using this incident as an opportunity to remind the public about the “Dutch Reach” technique, a method where drivers use their opposite hand to open the car door. This practice forces the driver to turn their body and look back, reducing the likelihood of inadvertently opening the door into the path of an oncoming cyclist or scooter rider.
**Community Reaction**
The local community has expressed shock and concern over the incident, with many advocating for improved infrastructure and safety protocols. Suggestions include dedicated bike lanes, increased signage, and public awareness campaigns to educate both drivers and riders about road safety.
In light of this accident, safety advocates are urging city planners to consider additional protective measures for vulnerable road users. The incident underscores the critical need for shared responsibility among all road users to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
As the injured man recovers, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on busy roads and the importance of vigilance and caution from everyone sharing the roadway.
