A man on a motorcycle tragically lost his life after a collision with a vehicle attempting a U-turn over the weekend in eastern Fresno.
The California Highway Patrol says the accident occurred Saturday Afternoon around 1:10 p.m. on October 23, 2021. FOX26-TV reported the accident happened near the intersection of McKinley Avenue and Temperance Avenue.
Investigators say a 30-year-old woman from Clovis in a Toyota mini-van was on McKinley attempting a U-Turn when the maneuver left the van in front of an oncoming motorcycle, also traveling on McKinley.
The rider, a 38-year-old man from Sanger, ran into the driver’s side of the van and was killed. No one in the van reported injuries.
Highway Patrol Officers are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, but they do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.
Fresno Motorcycle Accident Dangers
No matter how safely they proceed, motorcyclists can’t know what Fresno drivers are planning at all times. Motorists may make an abrupt turn or suddenly veer across multiple lanes of traffic. Each unpredictable move can be made without a proper check of windows, mirrors, and blind spots.
Unfortunately, these gaps in attention affect those on motorcycles most often. The smaller profile of a motorcycle can mean that motorists need to give their full attention to making sure a rider isn’t traveling alongside them or coming straight at them before making a turn or a lane change.
Mistakes like these endanger Fresno riders each week. In 2020, Fresno recorded 53 motorcycle accidents across the city. Those accidents claimed a tragic 5 lives and left another 56 victims injured.
These collisions put motorcyclists at risk of devastating impacts. With a little more awareness shown by motorists, many crashes could be avoided and the injuries that keep riders off their bikes could be prevented.
A Word on Wrongful Death Claims
Families who have lost a loved one in an accident may not be aware that they may seek assistance through a wrongful death claim. This support could help with funeral and burial costs and replace the financial support the deceased can no longer provide for his or her family. You can read more about those on my page about wrongful death claims in California.
