Police Attend Double Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Suffolk

Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable of road users in Hampton Roads. I was deeply saddened to read about a double fatal motorcycle crash in Suffolk today.

Both the rider of a motorcycle and a passenger lost their lives in a collision with an SUV in the 6600 block of Old Myrtle Road at the intersection of Old Mill Road.

Police say the accident on the rural road occurred at 1:45 p.m. A motorcycle and a Chevrolet Tahoe were involved in the crash at the intersection. The driver of the SUV was also taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.

Few details were available of the crash. A report on WAVY.com said the intersection of Old Myrtle Road and Old Mill Road was closed at all four approaches hours after the wreck. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic double fatal motorcycle crash in Suffolk.

Many motorcyclists lose their lives in intersection crashes. Often cars or trucks are making a turn. Police have not said if the SUV driver was turning before this accident.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Suffolk – Why Riders Are Vulnerable

Motorcyclists are disproportionately more likely to lose their lives in crashes than other road users because they lack the protection of a steel frame. That’s all the more reason for other drivers to look out for riders. Sadly, too many car, SUV and truck drivers fail to notice a motorcyclist approaching at an intersection as they make a turn.

Every year, dozens of motorcyclists lose their lives in Virginia. In 2014, for example, 77 motorcyclists lost their lives in the Commonwealth.

In that year, motorcyclists were involved in 1.7 percent of all crashes in Virginia, and 11. 6 percent of fatal crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number one cause of motorcycle accidents is other drivers. Many of these accidents cause serious injuries or deaths to the rider and occur at intersections.

If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, please call our Suffolk, VA, wrongful death lawyers for a consultation at (757) 333-3333. Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers has a client meeting location in downtown Suffolk.