Two men were hospitalized for injuries suffered in separate motorcycle crashes that occurred in Wadsworth and Long Grove just hours apart, sheriff’s officials said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Long Grove Fire Protection District responded just before 3 p.m. Saturday to the area of Lake Cook Road and Route 53 in Long Grove for a motorcycle crash with injuries.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said it was learned the operator, a 59-year-old Wood Dale man, had recently purchased a 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The man was traveling westbound on Lake Cook Road on the Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The operator attempted to turn right onto northbound Route 53, known in that area as Hicks Road, when he lost control, Covelli said.
The motorcycle jumped over a concrete median and crossed into the southbound lanes of traffic.
Covelli said the motorcycle crashed into a guardrail on the west side of Route 53.
The operator sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to an area hospital.
No other vehicles were involved and no citations will be issued.
Around 4:45 p.m., less than two hours later, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Newport Fire Protection District responded to another motorcycle crash on Route 41 south of Wadsworth Road.
Covelli said multiple people called 911 prior to the crash to report a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle was driving excessively fast and recklessly.
The Suzuki, driven by Nolbert H. Rivera, 27, of Waukegan, recklessly traveled northbound on Route 41 when it struck the rear of a Ford van.
Rivera was ejected from the Suzuki, which was traveling at a high rate of speed, Covelli said.
Rivera was found face down on the shoulder of Route 41 but was reported to be conscious and breathing.
He was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Covelli said Rivera was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was cited for driving under the influence, driving without a license, driving without insurance and driving without registration.
No injuries were reported to the occupants of the Ford van.