Tully, NY (July 16, 2026) – A motorcyclist lost their life in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning, July 14, on State Route 281 in Tully.
According to New York State Police, the collision happened around 11:15 a.m. when the driver of a sport utility vehicle attempted to make a left turn from a parking lot onto State Route 281. The SUV entered the path of an oncoming motorcycle, resulting in a violent collision.
The motorcyclist was thrown from the bike and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity, and no information about the SUV driver was immediately available.
The crash closed both directions of State Route 281 between Meeting House Road and Preble Road for several hours while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene. All lanes have since reopened.
The investigation into the fatal wreck remains ongoing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragic loss.
Why Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes Are So Severe?
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, making left-turn situations one of the most common scenarios for serious and fatal collisions. Drivers turning onto or across a roadway may have difficulty accurately judging an approaching motorcycle’s speed or distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Following a fatal collision, investigators typically examine vehicle damage, roadway evidence, witness statements, and any available surveillance or dash camera footage. They also review visibility, traffic patterns, and other contributing factors to determine how the incident occurred.
Motorcyclists have far less physical protection than occupants of enclosed vehicles, which means even a single impact can result in catastrophic injuries. Safety awareness by all road users remains an important part of reducing these devastating crashes.
