COLTON, San Bernardino County, Calif., Oct. 10, 2026 — A motorcyclist was injured on Friday morning, October 9, when a car and a motorcycle collided at W Olive St and Cypress Ave in Colton.
The California Highway Patrol's traffic log shows the crash was reported shortly before noon and initially logged as a traffic hazard. Dispatch records list a vehicle colliding with the motorcycle at the intersection, with the motorcycle reportedly left blocking the roadway afterward.
The extent of the rider's injuries has not been released. It is not yet known whether anyone else was hurt. The log does not specify what led up to the collision or whether either party involved received a citation.
The California Highway Patrol has not released further details, and the crash remains under investigation. Information on the road's condition at the time, including whether lanes were closed, was not immediately available.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
When Car-Versus-Motorcycle Crashes Happen Most Commonly
Collisions between cars and motorcycles cluster around certain hours more than others. Late morning and early afternoon, when traffic picks up near intersections and commercial corridors, see a steady run of these crashes because more vehicles are turning, merging, and crossing paths at once. Riders become harder to track amid heavier traffic, and drivers scanning for other cars can miss a motorcycle entirely.
Weekday mid-mornings carry their own set of risks. Delivery vehicles, commuters finishing late shifts, and errand traffic all converge, and drivers making routine turns are usually not expecting a motorcycle in their blind spot. Evening commutes and weekend afternoons add another layer, when more riders are on the road for leisure and traffic volume peaks at the same time.
Season matters too. Motorcycle traffic rises in warmer months, which means more exposure to left-turn and intersection crashes during spring and summer. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 33 motorcyclists who died were not wearing helmets in 2023, a detail that points to how much protective gear affects outcomes once a crash happens, regardless of the time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do left-turning cars cause motorcycle collisions?
A driver turning left across oncoming traffic may misjudge a motorcycle's speed or distance because it presents a smaller profile than a car, leading to a turn directly into the rider's path.
What can drivers do to watch for motorcycles?
Checking twice before turning or changing lanes, allowing extra following distance, and treating a motorcycle in a mirror the same as a full-size vehicle all reduce the chance of missing a rider.
What should a rider do after a motorcycle crash?
Move out of traffic if possible, call 911, and seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some, like road rash or internal injuries, are not obvious right away.
Are motorcycle crashes more common at intersections?
Yes. Intersections involve more turning and crossing movements than open roadways, which raises the chance a driver and a rider will misjudge each other's path.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Colton, CA
Anyone involved in a motorcycle crash in Colton should get checked by a medical provider as soon as possible, even for injuries that seem minor at first. Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses, and request a copy of the police report once it becomes available. Photographing the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries can help later if questions arise about what happened. Keep track of any medical visits and follow-up care tied to the crash.