Rutherford County, TN - Motorcyclist Allen Schlapman was riding his motorcycle through rural Williamson County during a Thanksgiving holiday in 2012 when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. His brother, Stephen, and sister-in-law, Kimberly, of the country music band Little Big Town, retrieved his crashed motorcycle and established the Schlapman Memorial Project to remind other drivers of motorcycle safety.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Patrol Lt. Michael Rodgers said the trailer will be displayed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the week until Friday at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 940 New Salem Highway in Murfreesboro.
The exhibit will be located beside the 911 Memorial. Viewers may examine the motorcycle and watch a short video.
“It is a sobering reminder for motorcyclists and people to be aware of more motorcyclists in the summertime,” Rodgers said.
Five motorcyclists died in 2023 in Rutherford County with June through August being the most deadly months for motorcycle crashes. “We encourage riders to wear a helmet and drive cautiously,” Rodgers said. “We encourage motorists to look twice and change lanes carefully. We need to pay attention to motorcyclists being on the roadways.”
The project is supported by Students Against Drunk Driving and the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.
