Crockery Township, MI (May 3, 2026) – A motorcyclist was killed early Sunday morning, May 3, following a collision with a pickup truck in Ottawa County. The crash occurred around 12:24 a.m. on State Road in Crockery Township.
According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, a 35-year-old man from Spring Lake was riding a Harley-Davidson westbound on State Road when a GMC pickup began backing out of a private driveway onto the roadway.
Investigators said the motorcyclist attempted to pass the pickup on the right side as it was backing out. The motorcycle then struck the front corner of the truck, causing the rider to be thrown from the bike.
Emergency units performed lifesaving measures at the scene, but the motorcyclist was pronounced dead. No other injuries were reported in the crash.
The identity of the victim was confirmed by authorities, and the investigation remains ongoing.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Motorcycle Passing Maneuvers Near Driveways Can Be High Risk
Crashes involving motorcycles and vehicles exiting driveways often occur in situations where visibility and timing are limited. When a vehicle is backing into or out of a roadway, drivers may have restricted sightlines, making it difficult to detect approaching traffic.
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable during passing attempts because of their smaller size and rapid speed changes. Attempting to pass on the right near a driveway can increase the risk of collision if a vehicle is entering or exiting the roadway at the same time.
Investigators typically review car positioning, roadway layout, and driver actions leading up to the crash. These details help determine how both vehicles entered the same space at the same moment.
