Woman Charged With Death By Vehicle Following Death Of Motorcyclist

The accident Saturday morning at Vandora Springs Road and Vandora Avenue killed Steven Kirby. According to police, the 50-year-old Kirby was driving his 1979 Honda motorcycle when a Ford Focus driven by Barnes turned in front of him.

Kirby, who was wearing a helmet, crashed into the Ford. He was taken to WakeMed but died Saturday afternoon from head injuries.

Barnes, 42, was not injured, according to police.

"The evidence leads me to concude that Ms. Barnes turned in front of the motorcycle driven by Mr. Kirby," said traffic safety Lt. Bob Stevens. "She admits to making the turn that ultimately resulted in the death of Mr. Kirby."

Barnes is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 23, 2003.

Stevens said Kirby was not speeding and that the motorcycle headlight was operating. But he said the helmet worn by Kirby was not approved by the Department of Transportation.

"They are commonly called 'salad bowl' helmets," Stevens said.

Barnes was charged at the scene with failing to yield. Stevens, the Garner Police Department's crash reconstruction specialist, was contacted to help with the investigation.