Panama City Police Warning Motorists Of Motorcycle Safety
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: May 1, 2012
This week hundreds of bikers will travel down to Panama City Beach for Thunder beach, and motorcycle safety is on everyone's mind. The son of a rider critically injured last week has a message for all drivers out there.
"It's a hard thing that we're dealing with here," says Whitney Landers, the victim's son.
It was a motorcycle crash on Thomas Drive last Friday night that left an Arkansas Police Chief, Joe Landers, in critical condition, and another, Jimmy Cristo Jr., behind bars.
Chief Landers, like so many others, was on his way to Thunder Beach.
"He loved this area. He took numerous trips down here," says Landers. "He loved Destin. He loved everything about this area, and just motorcycles in general."
As Bay County prepares for thousands of riders to enter the area, the chief's son has a message to all drivers out there.
"The streets are not just for cars anymore. I mean, not only motorcycles, but pedestrians, people on bicycles, you have to share the road. You have to be aware of your surroundings," says Landers.
To the riders, Whitney Landers says, be extra cautious.
"Anybody who rides a motorcycle for any period of time knows that you cant rely on other people to watch for you. You have to watch for them."
With significant swelling in the brain, the chief remains in critical condition, but the family says outpour of support has kept their spirits up.
"90 percent of the people who have contacted us have never met this man in his life... We have no idea who they are. It just goes to show that there is a little bit of compassion left in the world," says Landers.
The family has started a Facebook page called 'Pray for Joe Landers.' Anyone who wishes to show support can do so through the page.
