Motorcycle rider hurt attempting to pass between two vehicles

A Woodland motorcycle rider was hospitalized after trying to pass between two vehicles on his bike, causing a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 north of Woodland Sunday afternoon, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The state patrol said Martin Jenkins, 54, was driving south on the highway about 4 miles north of Woodland when, around 3:30 p.m., he tried to pass between a car and an SUV.

Starla J. Sawyer, 42, of Battle Ground, was driving in the left lane, and Renee L. Richards, 40, of Tacoma, was in the middle lane.

According to the state patrol, Jenkins attempted to pass between the two vehicles, but struck both of them. That sent him out of control and off the road on the right side. He struck a guard rail then flew off the bike.

Jenkins’ motorcycle kept going, re-entered the roadway then hit Sawyer’s car again before going off the highway and stopping in the median.

Jenkins was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center for his injuries. Jenkins’ condition was not available. Sawyer and Richards were unhurt.

The state patrol said improper passing caused the crash, and that Jenkins was cited for second-degree negligent driving.