Arnold Meiring, 68, was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Secor Road when he turned onto St. Anthony Road. As he made the turn, his vehicle was struck by a southbound motorcycle. Meiring’s truck came to a controlled stop on the north side of St. Anthony Road and he was not injured.
The motorcyclist, Clayton Devol, 48, was ejected from his bike. The motorcycle came to rest on Secor Road and caught fire. Devol was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that alcohol was a factor in the crash. Devol was not wearing a helmet at the time. The motorcycle was also an off-road vehicle with no headlight or taillight and was not authorized for road use.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Clayton Devol.
What Makes Unauthorized Motorcycles Especially Dangerous on Michigan Roads?
Off-road motorcycles are built for unpaved terrain and are not equipped with the safety features required for street use in Michigan. Without headlights, taillights, or proper reflectors, these bikes are nearly invisible to other drivers at night. This makes them far harder to see than a street-legal motorcycle, particularly at intersections where split-second visibility can determine whether a collision occurs.
Michigan law prohibits off-road vehicles from being operated on public roads without proper equipment and registration. Riding without a helmet significantly increases the risk of a fatal head injury in a crash. When alcohol is also involved, the combination of impairment and an unlit, unauthorized vehicle greatly raises the chance of a deadly outcome.
