Motorcycle Accident Claims Eighth Life in Vermont This Year
A motorcycle accident in Pownal, Vermont, on September 3, resulted in the death of Linda Sauca, 61, bringing the state’s motorcycle fatality total to eight in 2022.
According to Vermont State Police, Sauca, a passenger on a 2013 Harley Davidson driven by her husband, Tonnie Sauca, 69, was thrown from the motorcycle around 2 p.m. when the couple collided with a vehicle driven by Lisa Decker of Springfield, MA. Decker was signaling to turn left into a driveway when Tonnie Sauca attempted to pass her on the left in the northbound lane.
Both Saucas sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to Albany Medical Center. Decker and her passengers reported no injuries.
Linda Sauca’s death marks the eighth motorcycle fatality in Vermont for 2022. The previous fatality occurred on August 3, claiming the life of Brian Mercer, 46, of Derby. In comparison, the state recorded 13 motorcyclist fatalities in 2021.
In the first half of 2022, Vermont experienced an uptick in total highway fatalities, increasing from 28 in 2021 to 40. This 43% increase is among the highest in the nation, according to a recent study by Quotewizard. Traffic fatalities have also surged in neighboring states, with New Hampshire rising 27% and Maine leading at 52%.
The investigation into the accident remains ongoing, and no further details about lane closures were available.