Amarillo, TX (August 12, 2026) – A motorcyclist died on Wednesday after a semi-truck turning from southbound Washington Street onto eastbound Loop 335 collided with his northbound motorcycle, according to Texas DPS. He was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced dead.
All northbound traffic on Washington south of Loop 335 was blocked while crews worked.
The investigation remains ongoing. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Why Are Left Turns by Large Trucks So Risky for Motorcyclists?
A turning semi requires more time and distance to complete its turn than a passenger vehicle, which can create a longer window where its path crosses oncoming lanes. A motorcycle’s smaller profile can make it harder for a truck driver to judge its speed and distance during that window.
Visibility from inside a semi’s cab also differs significantly from that of a car’s, with blind spots that can be larger and positioned differently. A motorcycle approaching from certain angles may be harder to spot until it’s quite close.
Investigators typically examine the timing of both vehicles’ approach, along with sightlines at the intersection, to understand how a crash like this developed. This kind of review helps establish whether visibility, timing, or another factor played the central role.
