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CONWAY, Horry County, S.C., Oct. 1, 2026 — A two-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle shut down all Myrtle Beach-bound lanes of Hwy 501 near Dodge Lane Wednesday afternoon, September 30, according to Horry County Fire Rescue.
Fire crews were dispatched to the scene at 3:15 p.m., the agency said. Critical injuries were reported.
All lanes of Hwy 501 EB were blocked as crews worked the scene, and the public was urged to avoid the area because of delays and for the safety of responders.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. We hope those who were hurt recover fully.
Why Motorcycles Are Often Missed in Traffic
Motorcycles present a narrow profile compared to cars and trucks, which makes them easy to lose in a driver's normal visual scan. A driver checking mirrors or glancing through an intersection is trained, often without realizing it, to look for shapes the size of a car. A motorcycle can slip into the gap between those checks or get lost against a cluttered background like trees, signs, or other vehicles.
Speed judgment adds to the problem. Because a motorcycle is smaller, drivers tend to misjudge how fast it is approaching and how much time they have to turn or merge. This is a common factor in crashes where another vehicle turns across a rider's path or pulls out from a side street.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 34 percent of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes had no valid motorcycle license in 2023. Licensing gaps like that can mean less training in defensive riding techniques that help a rider stay visible and anticipate when a driver has not seen them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What usually causes motorcycle crashes?
Common factors include drivers failing to see an approaching motorcycle, turning left across a rider's path, following too closely, or misjudging a rider's speed and distance.
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries?
Riders have no frame, airbags, or seatbelts protecting them, so a crash that a car occupant might walk away from can throw a rider from the bike or into another vehicle or the road surface.
How do left-turning vehicles end up hitting motorcycles?
A driver turning left at an intersection may look for cars but miss a motorcycle's smaller profile, or misjudge how quickly it is approaching, and turn directly into its path.
What can drivers do to spot motorcycles sooner?
Taking a second look before turning or changing lanes, checking mirrors and blind spots specifically for motorcycles, and leaving extra following distance all give drivers more time to react.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Conway, SC
Anyone involved in or who witnessed a motorcycle crash should call 911 right away if it hasn't already been reported, and stay clear of blocked lanes so emergency crews can work safely. Even riders who feel uninjured after a crash should be checked by medical personnel, since injuries like internal bleeding or concussions are not always obvious right away.
It's also a good idea to get the names of responding agencies and the incident or case number for your records, and to follow up with the South Carolina Highway Patrol if you need an official crash report. Taking photos of the scene, if it's safe to do so, can help later for insurance purposes.
