JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 30-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash early Tuesday morning on Old St. Augustine Road at Interstate 295, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Carl D. Savard Jr. of Green Cove Springs was exiting I-295 southbound trying to turn north on Old St. Augustine Road, but lost control and crashed about 6:45 a.m., police said. Savard was taken to UF Heath Jacksonville, where he died.

Police said Savard was wearing a helmet, and his motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the crash. It appears speed may be a factor, JSO said.

All lanes of Old St. Augustine Road at I-295 were closed after the deadly crash but reopened about 9 a.m.

This was the fifth death of a motorcyclist in northeast Florida this month.

Instructor says preparation can increase chances of survival

Michael Dobbs, who trains hundreds of motorcycle riders every year, says all the training and safety gear in the world doesn't making riding a bike completely fail proof. 

"It's up to the motorcyclist to be seen. That means to be in a certain lane in a certain position that the car can see you," said Dobbs. "They need to have a helmet, a reflector jacket, protective gear."

Dobbs said the key to being safe is not just in what you wear, it's being aware of your surroundings. The same goes for people inside cars.

Dobbs said you may not hear what's happening outside your car. You may be listening to the radio or distracted in some way. Motorists must check their mirrors and make sure you look behind you before switching lanes.

"They need to share the road with the motorcyclists," Dobbs said.

As for the rider, it critical to know how to control the motorcycle, especially if you have to brake suddenly.

"The weight of the motorcycle transfers from the back to the front," Dobb said. "A lot of people don't want to use their front brake, just their back brake. It's very important, you want to use front and back at the same time."

That is especially important on curves and while turning. Never slam on the brakes or the motorcycle might end up sliding out from underneath the rider.

Dobbs also urges motorcyclists to follow at least 4 to 5 seconds behind other drivers and never ride in someone's blind spot.

If you are interested in motorcycle training classes, Dobbs teaches at Jacksonville Motorcycle Safety Training.