Motorcyclist Survives Novato Crash, Plunge Off Overpass Onto Highway
NOVATO (CBS SF) - A Fairfield man suffered major injuries when he was ejected from his motorcycle and fell 40 feet from an overpass onto U.S. Highway 101 near Novato this morning, a California Highway Patrol officer said.
Tony Henderson, 36, lost control of his 2007 Yamaha Star Cruiser around 8 a.m. as he rode along a connector ramp from southbound U.S. Highway 101 to eastbound state Highway 37, CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said.
The bike struck a cement barrier on the right side of the roadway and Henderson was ejected and went over the edge of the overpass, Barclay said.
He fell roughly 40 feet onto the No. 4 lane of northbound Highway 101 and came to rest on the highway's right shoulder, Barclay said.
Fortunately, there were no vehicles in the No. 4 lane and motorists were able to avoid hitting him, Henderson said.
Henderson suffered major injuries but his helmet saved him from more serious head wounds, Barclay said.
Novato Fire Protection District paramedics took Henderson to Marin General Hospital where he initially was in critical condition, Barclay said.
"Although Mr. Henderson's injuries were very serious, it is highly likely that his life was saved by his helmet," Barclay said.
The cause of the accident remained under investigation.
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