By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Nearly a month has passed since Justin Kruse received the news no son wants to hear. On April 4, Justin's father, 70-year-old Bernard Kruse of Hoisington, was on his way to meet some friends for a weekly get-together when a vehicle pulled out in front of his motorcycle. Kruse was killed in the crash at the JUCO Road and U.S. 281 Highway intersection. An awareness ride and celebration of life are planned for this Saturday.
"It's important to look for motorcycles because they are always there," Justin said. "We're going to be doing a Motorcycle Awareness Ride on Saturday, May 6, at 3 p.m., kickstands up from the Tap Room in Hoisington. We're going to ride down 281 south to the American Legion, where food and drink will be provided."
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month as many riders dust off their bikes for the summer season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2020. That represents 14 percent of all highway fatalities that year. Studies show motorcyclists are 28 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash.