Motorcyclist Thrown From Bike Into Woods Near Friendship

FRIENDSHIP, MD — A man driving a motorcycle suffered life-threatening injuries after being thrown from his bike into the nearby woods. The accident occurred along Solomons Island Road in the area of Sansbury Road Friday, Sept. 20, at approximately 7:15 p.m., according to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department.

The 26-year-old motorcycle driver, James Patrick Rinehart of Baltimore, was southbound on Solomon's Island Road when he failed to navigate the traffic circle at Friendship Road. The driver's 2015 Kawasaki Ninja struck a raised divider, causing the driver to be ejected. Callers reported to 911 that he landed in the woods. First responders transported him to the trauma center at UM Prince George’s Hospital Center with critical, life-threatening injuries.

Officials believe the cause of the crash was excessive speed and reckless operation of the motorcycle. It is unknown if drug or alcohol use were a factor. The accident is being investigated.