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JERICHO, Nassau County, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2026 — A motorcyclist died Monday afternoon, September 21, after colliding with a car on Cedar Swamp Road in Jericho, according to Nassau County Homicide Squad detectives.
The 56-year-old man was riding a 2025 Indian motorcycle northbound on Cedar Swamp Road around 3:30 p.m. when he struck a 2020 Subaru, detectives said. The Subaru's driver, a 32-year-old woman, had reportedly been turning left onto Old Jericho Turnpike at the time.
The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, detectives said. His name had not been released as of Tuesday.
The Subaru's driver was not hurt and stayed at the scene, Nassau County police reported. The Homicide Squad's investigation remains open, and no charges have been announced.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
What Determines the Outcome of Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes?
A motorcycle is a narrow, low-profile shape moving through a driver's field of view. When a driver scans an intersection before turning left, the brain is trained to look for the bulk of a car or truck. A motorcycle's outline, its single headlight, and its speed relative to size make it easy to glance past even when a driver is looking in the right direction. This is part of why so many of these crashes happen exactly the way this one did, a rider going straight through an intersection while another vehicle turns across the lane.
Engineering fixes have made measurable differences. Protected left-turn signal phases that separate turning traffic from oncoming lanes give drivers a dedicated window to turn without needing to judge oncoming speed. Better street lighting at intersections improves contrast for a rider's shape and helmet against the background. Some corridors have also cut left-turn conflicts altogether by converting risky intersections to roundabouts, which slow all vehicles and reduce the angle and speed of any impact.
Driver habits are important as well, particularly a second look before committing to a turn. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Much of the research behind that number points back to the same intersection dynamic: a turning vehicle and a motorcycle that a driver did not register in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do left-turning cars end up colliding with motorcycles?
A driver turning left across traffic has to judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles quickly. A motorcycle's smaller profile can make it harder to spot or can throw off a driver's sense of how close it actually is, leading to turns made directly into a rider's path.
What can drivers do to notice motorcycles more reliably?
Checking twice before turning, scanning specifically for narrow profiles rather than just larger vehicles, and waiting an extra second at intersections can help. Motorcycles also close distance faster than they appear to, so misjudging their approach is common.
What should a rider do immediately after a crash?
Call 911, stay as still as possible until checked by paramedics, and avoid removing a helmet unless trained to do so. Even a rider who feels functional afterward should be evaluated at a hospital, since some injuries are not immediately obvious.
Are motorcycle crashes more likely at intersections?
Yes. A large share of motorcycle and car collisions happen at intersections, many times related to a vehicle turning left in front of an oncoming rider.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Jericho, NY
Anyone involved in or witnessing a motorcycle crash in Jericho should call 911 right away so police and medical crews can respond. If you're the rider and able to do so safely, move out of traffic but avoid taking off protective gear. Seeking a medical evaluation promptly, even without obvious injury, is important since some injuries surface later. Getting the responding officer's name, badge number, and a copy of the report once available can help with insurance and any follow-up questions about the investigation.
