Portsmouth, RI (June 21, 2026) – A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries following a crash at the intersection of West Main Road and Stringham Road in Portsmouth on Friday afternoon, June 19.
Emergency units were dispatched to the area shortly after 4:00 p.m. after receiving reports of a collision involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. Preliminary findings indicate the motorcyclist was turning left onto West Main Road when the motorcycle was struck by a vehicle operated by 38-year-old Lesslie McDowell of Johnston.
The rider, whose identity has not been released, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Officials reported the victim was in stable condition following the crash. McDowell was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, resulting in serious bodily injury. She was later arraigned and held on $50,000 surety bail. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
How Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes Tend to Occur
Motorcycle crashes involving left turns are among the most common types of roadway collisions. These incidents can happen when a rider enters or crosses traffic while another vehicle approaches the intersection. Visibility, traffic volume, speed, and driver awareness can all affect how safely vehicles navigate these situations.
Intersections often pose additional challenges because multiple vehicles may be turning, stopping, or changing direction simultaneously. Motorcycles can be harder to spot than larger vehicles, particularly during busy travel periods or when sight lines are limited. Road conditions, weather, and signal timing may also influence how traffic flows through an intersection.
Following a serious crash, investigators review vehicle positions, roadway design, witness accounts, and any available video evidence to better understand the sequence of events. These details help provide a clearer picture of how the collision occurred.
