[It is the policy of the Cobb County Courier to omit the names of people involved in traffic incidents that are still under investigation]

According to a public information release from Officer Aaron Wilson of the Cobb County Police Department, the department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P. Unit) is investigating a collision between a dump truck and a motorcycle that resulted in serious injuries to the operator and the passenger on the motorcycle.

The incident occurred yesterday, March 20, 2024, around 1:30 pm, on Mack Dobbs Road at Standing Peachtree Trail.

Investigators report that a 62-year-old Marietta man, with a 56-year-old Marietta woman as a passenger, was operating a black 2008 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Motorcycle north on Mack Dobbs Road.

At the same time, a gray 2007 International 7000 dump truck, operated by a 59-year-old Adairsville man, was traveling south on Mack Dobbs Road.

The public information release describes the ensuing crash as follows:

The International truck crossed the solid painted double yellow lines and collided with the Harley Davidson, causing it to veer northward and come to an uncontrolled stop on the vegetative shoulder. The International truck continued southbound in the northbound lanes until it struck a raised concrete curb and stopped in a wooded area.

Both people on the motorcycle sustained serious injuries and were taken by ground ambulance to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for medical treatment. 

The driver of the dump truck was not injured in the collision.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3987.

The STEP Unit

The STEP Unit, which investigates serious or fatal traffic crashes, is one of the Cobb County Police Department’s Special Operations units, and is described on the web page of the Cobb County Police Department as follows:

“The Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit is responsible for investigating all fatal traffic crashes, enforcement of traffic laws in those areas which analysis indicates an elevated amount of crashes. 

“They are also responsible for the administration and execution of the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. 

“They also take part in special security details, and investigate crashes involving Department vehicles when requested.”

The STEP Unit is commanded by Lieutenant Lane Johnson.