PHOENIX — Crowds pour into WestWorld of Scottsdale this week for several events surrounding Arizona Bike Week.
The popular event is packed with vendors, live entertainment and other attractions for motorcycle fans. While it's generally a time for celebration, for some, it's a moment for reflection and an opportunity to share the importance of safety.
One thing riders and enthusiasts want to emphasize is safety. Whether you drive a regular vehicle or use a motorcycle as your primary transportation, safety has to be top of mind.
Caserina Hawkins knows that all too well; she's waiting for justice for her husband, Martin, who was killed in a hit-and-run in the West Valley in March.
"I don’t know what to do, I'm lost without him just because somebody was distracted," she explained.
Martin was riding his motorcycle near 67th Avenue and Mountain View when he was struck. What's worse, the distracted driver left Martin lying in the road, according to Glendale PD, leaving the scene entirely.
"It's unreal, it's unfair and it needs to stop," Hawkins added.
She's hopeful officers will find the driver responsible for killing her husband but for the everyday driver behind the wheel, her message is simple.
"If you have to take an important phone, or text, just pull over to the side of the road, it might take a few minutes out of your day, but it could save someone like my husband's life," she said.
Martin grew up riding. He did it for fun, to clear his head or just be with his extended biker family. Hawkins says the father of four will be missed, forever.
"He was nothing but family and everything we do," she proclaimed. "We're surrounded by family."
Police are still looking for the person responsible. Folks at the event share Hawkins' sentiment — look twice for motorcyclists and please don't drive distracted.
You can find more details about the event here.
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