Injured Motorcyclist Asks Drivers to Be Aware

ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY - Marshall Strait doesn't remember what happened July 19, 2006.  That's when he crashed his motorcycle into a UPS truck that crossed in front of him. He survived, but don't call him lucky.

"If I had a nickel for every time someone told me how lucky I was I don't know how much money I'd have, but it would be a lot.  I've never felt lucky," he said.

Jolting pains randomly shoot through his wrist.  Scars are on his neck and face.  He's blind in his right eye.

"I liked remodeling houses.  I liked that and I liked riding a motorcycle.  They're my two most favorite things and I can't do either one anymore," Strait said.

And he can't work.  Leaving his job is what the former purchasing agent was doing when the crash happened.

"It's totally changed my life.  My old life is gone.  I've had to readjust to doing all kinds of new things.  I'm not even really sure what to do," he said.

According to PennDOT, there were more than 3,700 crashes involving motorcycles in Pennsylvania in 2009.  Of those, there were 204 fatalities.  The number of licensed motorcyclists went up by 12,000, while the number of registered motorcycles went up by 3,000.  Strait's advice for drivers; pay attention.  He tells bikers this.

"If I didnt have my helmet on that day, I wouldn't be here today."

Strait did settle with UPS for an undisclosed amount of money.  He said he lives much more comfortably financially, but would give up the money for physical comfort.