Bonnie Noles said her family members’ lives were changed forever on Thanksgiving day when her brother-in-law, Ricky Noles, 46, of Bremen, died in a motorcycle accident.

“When we got to the hospital we thought he had a broken leg,” Bonnie Noles said. “When we heard the news our hearts just stopped.”

Ricky Noles was reportedly traveling from one Thanksgiving meal to another around 1:20 p.m. when he lost control of his motorcycle on Muse Bridge Road.

“He was negotiating a curve and lost control,” Georgia State Patrol Sgt. Joey Boatright said. “Alcohol was not involved and speed was not a factor.”

Bonnie Noles said her brother-in-law always rode responsibly and wore a helmet.

“Since he was a kid, his dream was to own a Harley Davidson,” Bonnie Noles said. “He’s been riding a bike for years.”

Ricky Noles was a member of motorcycle groups and Bonnie Noles said he used his bike to help numerous charities.

“He was very involved with Toys for Tots,” Bonnie Noles said. “He would ride to raise money for that organization. I know he went to Cedartown, Rome, even south Georgia.”

In the same spirit, Ricky Noles’ friends are planning a motorcycle ride in his honor and in support of his wife, Jean Noles, and daughter, Alisha Noles.

According to Boatright, the traffic accident statistics for Carroll and Douglas counties were lower this year for the Thanksgiving weekend than last year, except for the fatality category, where Ricky Noles was the only one listed.

There were 50 accidents this year compared with 54 accidents last year and 28 injuries this year compared with 34 injuries last year. There was one fatality reported this year compared with zero fatalities last year.

One fatality is too many, Boatright said, and he encouraged drivers to be careful for the rest of the holiday season.

“We have the most accidents during the winter months,” Boatright said.

He attributed the increase in accidents to weather conditions, increased traffic and speeding.

“People need to slow down and not be in a hurry,” Boatright said. “The majority of people we deal with were running late.”

Another concern for the upcoming season is the number of state troopers available for patrol.

“We have a third less manpower in 2009 compared with 2008,” Boatright said. “People have been moved around throughout the state, which has left us with 16 troopers instead of 24.”

With fewer state troopers patrolling the area, Boatright said there could be an increase in people getting caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There were seven DUIs reported this year compared with 10 last year.

“I believe that definitely had an impact on the numbers,” Boatright said. “People do not need to drive if they have been drinking.”

The main way to decrease traffic incidents is through courtesy, according to Boatright.

“Right after 9/11 everyone was so courteous and now we’ve forgotten that,” he said. “If people would slow down and show some courtesy on the road it would make a big difference.”

Boatright said he hopes drivers will be especially careful to try to avoid fatalities in the com ing months.

“It shows you never know what will happen,” Bonnie Noles said. “Life is precious and you need to spend time with loved ones while you can.”