Iowa mom shares story of losing son in motorcycle crash in hope it saves another

DES MOINES, Iowa — “As a parent you never think this will happen to you and when it does, you know, it makes you pause and you want to do anything you can to prevent it from happening to someone else,” said Traci McBee.

Traci lost her son in the fall of 2022 after a driver rolled through a stop sign and collided with her son, Cole, while he was riding a motorcycle.

Now, a year and a half after the tragic loss of life, Traci wants drivers to act with caution this summer.

“With warmer weather there will be motorcyclists out there. So whether you are behind the wheel or behind handlebars, just taking extra time to look around to stop and pause, to share the road and just be really aware of your surroundings,” said McBee.

Just this last weekend, another fatal motorcycle accident happened in Des Moines — the fourth so far this year.

Follow these basic safety tips to ensure everyone can have a safe warm weather season. Check for your blind spots in your rearview mirror, watch your speed, leave enough space in between vehicles, and be mindful of left turns when crossing traffic.

Traci talked with WHO 13’s Zach Fisher on Tuesday morning. She shared some more details about her son and the honor ride for him that took place nine months after the accident. Watch the full interview below:

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