BRIAR CREEK, Columbia County, PA, Sept. 29, 2026 — A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries Sunday evening, September 27, when a car turned in front of him on Route 11 in Briar Creek Borough. State Police said the crash happened near Golf Course Road.
A 25-year-old Berwick man was riding a 2025 Kawasaki Ninja north on Route 11 around 5:45 p.m. when a 1998 Buick Century attempted a left turn from a center turn lane, according to Trooper Terry Tirko. The driver, a 64-year-old Berwick man, reportedly did not see the motorcycle before turning into its path, police said.
The collision threw the rider from his bike. He was wearing a helmet at the time, according to police. Berwick Area Ambulance Association took him to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville with what troopers described as suspected serious injuries.
The driver of the Buick was not hurt and was wearing a seat belt, according to the report. The crash remains under investigation by State Police.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Why Left-Turning Vehicles Put Motorcyclists at Risk
A car turning left across a lane of oncoming traffic has to judge the speed and distance of anything coming the other way in a fraction of a second. A motorcycle's narrower profile makes that judgment harder: drivers scanning for other cars can look directly at a motorcycle's headlight and still not register it as something moving toward them, a lapse called "looked but failed to see."
Center turn lanes and intersections concentrate this problem because they force a driver to commit to a gap in traffic. If a motorcycle is closing that gap faster than expected, or is partly hidden by glare, a parked vehicle, or another car, the turning driver may proceed anyway. The motorcyclist has little room to brake or steer around the turning vehicle once it starts moving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. Left-turn collisions are consistently cited among the most common patterns behind those injuries, because the motorcyclist has so little space to react once a car starts crossing the lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can drivers do to watch for motorcycles?
Check twice before turning or changing lanes, especially at intersections and turn lanes. A motorcycle's smaller size makes it easy to underestimate how close or how fast it's approaching.
What should a rider do after a motorcycle crash?
Get medical evaluation right away, even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms take hours to appear. Report the crash to police and get a copy of the report once it's available.
Are motorcycle crashes more common at intersections?
Yes. A large share of motorcycle collisions with other vehicles happen when a car is turning, often left, and fails to see the motorcycle in time.
How does road surface affect motorcycle safety?
Loose gravel, wet pavement, and painted lane markings all reduce a motorcycle's traction more than they affect a car's. Riders often need extra distance to stop or maneuver on those surfaces.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Briar Creek, PA
Anyone involved in a motorcycle crash should call 911 and stay put until help arrives, even if injuries aren't immediately obvious. Removing a helmet should be left to trained responders unless breathing is blocked. Get contact information from any witnesses, since their account can matter later.
Follow up with a doctor in the days after the crash, since soft tissue injuries and head trauma can take time to show symptoms. Keep records of medical visits and any communication with insurance companies. Briar Creek residents can request a copy of the official police report through the State Police barracks that responded.
