MANATEE COUNTY – A deadly crash Saturday night on US-41 in Manatee County claimed the life of a motorcyclist and seriously injured his passenger after a left-turn collision, the Florida Highway Patrol reported.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:05 PM at the intersection of US-41 (14th Street West) and Florida Boulevard.
According to FHP, an 81-year-old Bradenton woman was driving a sedan northbound on US-41 in the left-turn lane, approaching a yellow traffic signal at the intersection.
At the same time, a motorcycle, driven by a 50-year-old Phoenix man, was traveling south on US-41 in the inside lane, approaching the intersection.
As the sedan attempted to turn left onto Florida Boulevard, it crossed into the path of the oncoming motorcycle, resulting in a violent collision. The motorcycle struck the right side of the sedan.
The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His passenger, a 56-year-old woman from North Port, also wearing a helmet, sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
The sedan’s driver sustained minor injuries, while her 86-year-old male passenger suffered serious injuries.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.
Left-Turn Crashes: A Leading Cause of Motorcycle Fatalities
Left-turn accidents are one of the most common and deadly types of motorcycle crashes. In many cases, drivers fail to properly judge the speed or distance of an approaching motorcycle, leading to devastating consequences.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- 41% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle turning left in front of the motorcycle.
- Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to be killed in crashes per mile traveled compared to occupants of passenger vehicles.
- Even when helmets are worn, left-turn collisions often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the direct impact.
Drivers must always:
- Look twice before turning. Motorcycles are smaller and may be harder to see, especially at night.
- Yield the right of way. If an oncoming motorcycle is approaching, always allow it to pass before making a turn.
- Be patient at intersections. A few extra seconds of caution could prevent a fatal crash.
By staying alert and watching carefully for motorcycles, drivers can help prevent these devastating accidents.
The post AZ Motorcyclist Killed, Passenger Injured in Left-Turn Crash on US-41 in Manatee County appeared first on Justice Pays.
