Du Quoin motorcycle rider injured at I-57 exit

Motorcyclist Wayne D. Harris, 61, of Du Quoin was injured in a 12:40 p.m. accident Wednesday on I-57 northbound at the Illinois Rt 148 exit (Exit 45).

He was riding a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Officer Christopher Watson of the Illinois State Police District 13 command at Du Quoin said Harris was transported from the scene by ambulance to Heartland Hospital in Marion with non-life threatening injuries.

Harris was northbound on I-57 approaching the Rt. 148 exit in the right lane. Harris stated an unknown vehicle traveling in the left lane changed lanes into his lane. No contact was made between the two vehicles, however, this forced Harris onto the exit ramp to avoid being struck. Harris' motorcycle was traveling too fast for him to negotiate the curve of the ramp and he exited off of the roadway into the grass. Harris continued for several feet before his motorcycle slid in mud and overturned. The offending vehicle was never located and there is no description available.