This is a press release courtesy of the Oregon State Police

A 35-year old Yelm, Washington man's injuries Sunday afternoon is a reminder of how loose objects can present a danger to motorcyclists after he lost control and was thrown from his motorcycle on Interstate 84 near Cascade Locks.

According to Oregon State Police Trooper Gavin McIlvenna, on May 18 2008 at 4:57 p.m., Darcy L. Davidson Jr., age 35, was operating his 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 49 after tying a jacket to the rear fender of his motorcycle. 

The jacket became entangled between the rear tire and fender causing the rear tire to lock up.  Davidson was ejected over his handlebars and onto the freeway's gravel shoulder.

Davidson was transported to Hood River Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Trooper McIlvenna believes the protective helmet Davidson was wearing saved his life as it sustained severe gouges upon making contact with the dirt/gravel shoulder.