A 28-year-old police officer with the Corvina Police Department died Tuesday after being thrown from his motorcycle, reported the Los Angeles Times. Officer Jordan Corder was driving southbound on Citrus Ave. when he collided with a northbound vehicle making a left turn in front of him on the same road.
Both Officer Corder and the 75-year-old woman driving the SUV were taken to Citrus Valley Medical Center-Intercommunity Campus. Officer Corder was pronounced dead at 2:41 p.m. The woman was treated for injuries, but no further information on her condition was available.
Corder joined the police force as a community service officer in November of 2006. Less than a year later he was promoted as a police officer, and became part of the traffic unit in May as a motorcycle officer. He received numerous awards, including one from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for making more than 100 DUI arrests. He was also received recognition form the California Highway Patrol and the Automobile Club of Southern California for his work on preventing car theft.
While the collision that resulted in Officer Corder’s death is still under investigation, it is a reminder of the caution that should be taken by all drivers on the road. Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable in vehicle accidents, and fatalities are high for motorcycle collisions.
While drivers need to be cautious when driving in close proximity to motorcycles, motorcyclists also need to take steps to prevent serious injuries. Currently, universal helmet laws for motorcyclists exist in only 19 states across the country, but that doesn’t mean that bikers shouldn’t wear a helmet. This protective gear is often times the difference in a life or death situation.
Corder leaves behind his wife, mother and father, who also served on the Corvina Police Department. Capitol flags were flown at half staff the day following the incident in honor of Officer Corder, and a vigil was held in Corder’s honor Tuesday evening.