Spencer, IA (April 17, 2026) – A motorcyclist was seriously injured following a crash involving a tractor-trailer Thursday afternoon, April 16, near Spencer. The collision occurred around 12:02 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and U.S. Highway 18.
Emergency units responded to the scene and found a motorcycle and a tractor-trailer involved in the crash. According to investigators, a 65-year-old man riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling north on U.S. Highway 71 when it collided with the trailer of a truck that was turning onto 320th Street.
The motorcyclist, identified as Gerald Faulkner of Spencer, was taken to a local hospital and later flown to a facility in Sioux Falls due to the severity of his injuries. The truck driver, a 52-year-old man from Cedar Rapids, was not injured.
No additional details about the events leading up to the crash have been released. The crash remains under investigation, and additional information may become available as authorities continue their review. Our thoughts are with those affected as they continue to recover.
What Factors Can Affect Motorcycle and Truck Collisions at Highway Intersections?
Routes carrying regional traffic near U.S. Highway 71 and U.S. Highway 18 can experience delays after serious collisions. In Spencer, responders often work to manage traffic while assisting those involved.
Large trucks and motorcycles differ greatly in size and movement, which can influence how they interact at intersections. Turning movements and crossing paths can create situations where timing and positioning become critical.
Road layout, visibility, and traffic flow all play a role in these incidents. When vehicles approach from different directions, awareness and coordination are key factors in reducing the risk of a crash.
