“A lady was trying to beat the light and it swung into my left leg,” Jeff Mungono said.
PHOENIX — An Arizona man recovering from a motorcycle accident last year is now asking other motorcyclists and drivers to be careful on the roads.
Jeff Mungono said he was heading home from work last June when the accident occurred at the intersection of Higley and Germann Rd in Gilbert.
“A lady was trying to beat the light and it swung into my left leg,” Mungono said. “I flew about 20 feet in the air when I let go of the motorcycle and the motorcycle ended up under the truck.”
Mugongo said he was fortunately not knocked out or fainted, but recalled a terrifying experience.
“I saw blood on my leg bleeding and I panicked,” Mugongo said. “People stopped what they were doing, stopped driving, parked their car at the intersection, came and helped me.”
Amar Karim, an orthopedic surgeon at Chandler Regional Medical Center, said Mugongo’s injury was extreme.
“It was one of those injuries where his limb was at risk,” Karim said. “Actually, when he first came in, you’re talking about limb salvage versus amputation.”
Karim said that, fortunately, Mugongo was wearing a helmet and recommended that motorcyclists wear helmets and protective equipment to help in the event of an accident.
Mugongo said he did not expect to be in a serious accident and is now warning people to be more aware on the roads.
“I survived three years without any accidents, I had some near misses,” Mugongo said. “That could have been a sign of, ‘You know, Jeff, be more careful.’”
Mugongo said anyone riding a motorcycle should ensure they have enough space for everyone.
“Create a safety bubble and make sure you don’t go over it,” Mugongo said. “Because it’s not about you, it’s about the person driving.”
Mugongo said it is also important for drivers to be aware of motorcyclists on the road and avoid telephone distractions.
“Look everywhere because now motorcyclists have different laws,” Mugongo said. “They are free to pass between cars (and) that is even more dangerous, so be careful of motorcyclists (and stay) focused on the road.”
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