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LORDSTOWN, Trumbull County, Ohio, Oct. 4, 2026 — A 64-year-old Salem man died on Saturday afternoon, October 3, after his motorcycle collided with a car on State Route 45 in Lordstown. The crash happened just south of Salt Springs Road, according to the Lordstown Police Department.
Early reports indicate the man was riding south on Route 45 when a car pulled onto the roadway from a business on the west side of the highway. The car reportedly struck the motorcycle at around 12:55 p.m. The driver of the car, a 76-year-old woman, remained at the scene.
The motorcyclist was fatally injured. The Lordstown Fire Department responded along with the Trumbull County Coroner's office, which assisted at the scene.
Lordstown Police are continuing to investigate the crash. No further details on the sequence of events or possible charges have been released.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When Cars and Motorcycles Collide
Motorcyclists are exposed in a way car and truck occupants are not. There is no door, no frame, no airbag between the rider and the vehicle that hits them. When a car pulls into or across a motorcycle's path, the rider often has only a second or two to brake or swerve before impact.
Riders are also harder for other drivers to see. A motorcycle presents a narrower profile than a car, and drivers pulling out of driveways or side streets are trained by habit to scan for larger vehicles first. That gap in perception is a factor in many car-motorcycle crashes, particularly at intersections and business entrances where vehicles cross or merge into a travel lane.
Older riders and those without current licensing are a notable part of the national crash picture. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 34 percent of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes had no valid motorcycle license in 2023. That figure points to licensing and training as a factor in fatal outcomes, separate from any question of fault in a specific crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a rider do immediately after a motorcycle crash?
Move to safety if possible, call 911, and avoid removing a helmet or moving an injured rider unless there is an immediate danger like fire. Get checked by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor, since some, like internal injuries or road rash, aren't obvious right away.
Do motorcycle crashes happen more often at intersections and entrances?
Yes. A large share of car-motorcycle collisions occur when a vehicle turns across or pulls into a motorcycle's path, often because the driver did not see the rider in time.
Does road surface affect motorcycle safety?
Yes. Loose gravel, wet pavement, potholes, and painted lane markings all reduce a motorcycle's traction compared to a car's four tires, making braking distance and stability harder to predict.
What gear reduces injury risk for riders?
A DOT-approved helmet, abrasion-resistant jacket and pants, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots all reduce the severity of common injuries in a crash, including head trauma and road rash.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Lordstown, Ohio
Anyone involved in or witnessing a motorcycle crash in Lordstown should call 911 right away so police and emergency medical crews can respond. Stay at the scene if it's safe to do so, and let officers document the scene before vehicles are moved.
If you or someone you know was hurt, seek a medical evaluation promptly, even for injuries that seem minor at first. Keep a copy of the police report and any medical records, and follow up with the Lordstown Police Department if you have questions about the status of the investigation.
