MANCHESTER, Manchester County, N.H., Sept. 18, 2026 — A motorcyclist was injured Wednesday afternoon, September 16, in a crash with a car at Central St and Union St in Manchester, according to authorities.
The crash was reported around 3:41 p.m., authorities said. It involved a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle at the intersection.
Investigators continue reviewing the collision. Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What Makes Intersection Crashes So Dangerous for Motorcyclists
At an intersection, a car and a motorcycle can be closing on each other from different directions at the same time, and a turning or lane-changing vehicle can put a rider in a driver's path with almost no notice. A car crossing lanes to turn left, for example, can cut into a gap a rider was already committed to, leaving little time for either driver to adjust speed or position.
The weight and structure gap between the two vehicles matters as much as the speed. A car's frame and airbags are built to absorb an impact and protect the people inside. A motorcycle offers no such shell. When the two collide, the energy of the crash goes into the bike and the rider directly, instead of being spread out and absorbed by crumple zones the way it would be in a car-to-car crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 82,564 motorcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. Helmets, protective clothing and anti-lock brakes can reduce some injuries, but they cannot substitute for the physical protection a vehicle's frame provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are motorcycle crashes more likely to happen at intersections?
Yes. Many motorcycle crashes occur at intersections, often when a car turns across a rider's path or fails to see an oncoming motorcycle in time.
Does the road surface affect how safe a motorcycle ride is?
Yes. Loose gravel, wet pavement, potholes and painted lane markings all reduce traction for a motorcycle far more than for a car, making braking and cornering less predictable.
What gear actually helps reduce injury for riders?
A DOT-approved helmet, a reinforced jacket and pants, gloves and over-the-ankle boots all help reduce the severity of injuries in a crash, though they don't eliminate risk entirely.
What typically causes crashes between cars and motorcycles?
Common factors include a driver failing to see a motorcycle, unsafe lane changes, turning across a rider's path and following too closely at an intersection.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Manchester, NH
If you're involved in a motorcycle crash in Manchester, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's a good idea to get checked by a medical professional, since some injuries from a crash don't show symptoms immediately.
Stay at the scene until police arrive and give them your account of what happened. If you're able, take photos of the vehicles, the roadway and any visible damage. Get contact information from any witnesses nearby. Keep a copy of the police report for your records once it's available.
