Catskill, NY (May 19, 2026) – Two people were seriously hurt on Monday night after a motorcycle and a car collided along Route 32 in the town of Catskill. The crash happened near the 5450 block of the highway shortly after 9:15 p.m. on May 18.
Authorities report that a motorcycle traveling northbound on Route 32 collided with a southbound car that was attempting to turn left into a driveway. Both the operator and passenger on the motorcycle were thrown from the bike during the impact.
The motorcycle operator, identified as 64-year-old Ronald Edwards of Durham, and his 40-year-old passenger both sustained life-threatening injuries. They were flown separately by helicopter to Albany Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the car was not injured.
Additional details about the crash have not been released. Officials are continuing to examine how the collision unfolded.
We are thinking of the two riders and hoping for their full recovery.
Why Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes Often Lead to Severe Injuries
Motorcycle crashes involving left-turning vehicles are among the most serious roadway incidents due to the limited protection riders have compared to people inside enclosed vehicles. When a driver turns across oncoming traffic, they must quickly judge the speed and distance of approaching motorcycles, which can be difficult depending on lighting and traffic conditions.
These collisions result in riders being thrown from their motorcycles, increasing the risk of major injuries. Investigators typically review roadway layout, driver sight lines, and vehicle positioning to understand how the timing of a turn contributed to the crash. Factors such as traffic speed and visibility can also play a role in how quickly drivers are able to react before a collision occurs.
