FLORENCE, Florence County, S.C., Sept. 23, 2026 — Two people were hurt Tuesday night, September 22, when a motorcycle crashed at an intersection near Kingsburg on U.S. Highway 378, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
The crash happened at about 10:30 p.m., troopers said. Both riders were thrown from the motorcycle and came to rest along the roadside, according to the report.
One of the two suffered critical injuries, while the other sustained injuries described as minor. Both were taken to a hospital for treatment, and their conditions have not been released.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. No cause has been confirmed, and no charges have been announced.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
What Do Numbers Tell About Motorcycle Crashes and Ejection Risk?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 41 percent of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol-impaired in 2023. That figure points to a pattern seen across the country: a large share of fatal motorcycle crashes involve no other vehicle at all, just a rider, a road, and a loss of control.
Ejection determines how severe these crashes turn out to be. Riders have no seatbelt, airbag, or frame around them, so when a motorcycle goes down or strikes something, the rider's body is thrown clear of the bike and lands separately on pavement or roadside ground. The distance and surface a rider lands on determine whether injuries are minor or life-threatening.
Nighttime crashes add another layer of risk. Visibility drops, reaction times shrink, and single-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle become more common after dark, particularly on rural highways with limited lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries than car crashes?
Riders lack the protective structure a car provides. Without a frame, airbags, or seatbelts, the rider's body absorbs the impact directly, which raises the chance of serious injury even at moderate speeds.
How do left-turning vehicles cause collisions with motorcycles?
A common crash pattern involves a car turning left across an intersection or driveway without seeing an oncoming motorcycle, often because the smaller profile and speed of a bike are harder to judge.
What can drivers do to spot motorcycles more easily?
Checking mirrors and blind spots twice, allowing extra following distance, and scanning intersections carefully before turning can help drivers notice a motorcycle before it is too close to react to safely.
What should a rider do immediately after a motorcycle crash?
Move to a safe area if possible, call 911, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since some injuries such as internal bleeding or fractures are not immediately obvious.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Florence, SC
Anyone involved in a motorcycle crash should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if pain or injury isn't immediately apparent. Adrenaline can mask symptoms for hours.
It also helps to request a copy of the official crash report once it's available and to keep records of any medical visits, treatment, or follow-up care. If witnesses are present at the scene, getting their contact information can be useful later on. Florence County residents can follow up with the South Carolina Highway Patrol for updates on the investigation.
