A 13-year veteran of the Somerville Police Department, who became the borough’s first motorcycle patrol officer in 30 years, died Wednesday in a motorcycle accident while off-duty. Claude Racine sustained serious head injuries when he lost control of his Harley Davidson on the New Jersey Turnpike. Emergency responders rushed Racine, who was wearing a helmet, to Jersey City Medical Center, but pronounced him dead shortly after midnight Thursday morning. A passenger accompanying the police officer remained in the hospital with moderate injuries. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident. Racine was also a retired first lieutenant military policeman with the U.S. Army Reserve, according to the Daily Record’s website.

Racine is survived by his wife and eight-year-old son. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this awful time. This was a good man, known for his charitable works and quick-thinking under pressure, taken too soon.

Wearing proper safety attire when riding a motorcycle helps reduce the risk of serious injuries, but isn’t proof against fatal accidents. Motorcycle accidents are responsible for an average of 70 deaths and roughly 2,000 injuries each year in the state, according to the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety. Accident data also shows that 40 percent of all single-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur at bends or corners in roadways. A majority of riders sustain injuries when traveling at 30mph or below. New Jersey law (NJ 39:3-76.7) requires all riders and passengers of motorcycles to wear helmets of types approved by the federal Department of Transportation.

Losing a loved one in an accident presents a seemingly impossible emotional and financial hurdle. The sudden loss of a spouse’s income may make it difficult to pay bills and make final arrangements while attempting to cope with the loss. If you lost your loved one through the negligent actions of another, you may be entitled to compensation. A settlement can help replace lost income, pay medical bills and preserve your quality of life. Contacting a team of experienced New Jersey personal injury attorneys is an important step in holding those responsible for loved one’s death accountable.

Photo Credit: Fort Wayne Police Department