Local authorities are investigating an accident that killed a Newton woman and a Des Moines man Wednesday night after a van collided with their motorcycle just west of Baxter on Highway F17.

Officials said 46-year-old David Alan Johnson and 45-year-old Tammy Jo Lemon died at the scene of the accident, according to a news release issued by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office this morning.

Emergency medical personnel from Baxter and Newton and Jasper County deputies responded to a report received at 8:29 p.m. Wednesday of an accident with injuries at the intersection of Highway F17 and West 100th Street North, located about four miles west of Baxter. According to the news release, the driver of the van — 64-year-old Earl Regis Glover of Colfax — allegedly failed to yield at the intersection and struck the motorcycle Johnson and Lemon were riding.

Glover, who had minor injuries, was transported to Skiff Medical Center in Newton for treatment and then was transported to the Jasper County Jail on a charge of failure to yield upon entering through highway. He posted bond and was released.

The accident remains under investigation, and the sheriff’s office has requested assistance from the Iowa State Patrol in the technical accident investigation, according to the news release.

 

SUMMARY:  Midwestern cars have had SIX months to get used to NOT looking for OR at motorcycles while driving.  If you driver a cager (motorcyclist slang for cars), please heighten your senses.  If you ride a motorcycle (or bicycle), please do the same!!

 

Be safe IN THE WIND.