Lenawee County, MI (May 27, 2026) – A 20-year-old motorcyclist suffered serious injuries Tuesday morning after a driver turned into his path in Ridgeway Township. The crash happened around 9:12 a.m. near the intersection of Ridge Highway and Britton Highway.
Investigators said a 2005 Mercury Marquis was traveling north on Ridge Highway when the 78-year-old driver attempted to turn into a driveway and crossed the southbound lane. During the turn, the car struck a 2003 Yamaha café-style motorcycle heading south.
The rider, a man from Saline, was taken to University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he was listed in stable condition. The driver of the Mercury was also hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Police stated the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, and the driver had been wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
Traffic along Ridge Highway was shut down for about two hours while crews worked in the roadway. Investigators believe speed may have contributed to the wreck.
Police are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the roadway crash. Our thoughts are with those hurt as they continue receiving medical treatment.
Why Turning Across Traffic Can Be Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Motorcycles can be harder for drivers to judge when making left turns or entering driveways across active traffic lanes. Their smaller size may make them appear farther away than they actually are, especially on rural highways where vehicles often travel at higher speeds. Even a brief delay in judging distance can lead to a serious roadway collision.
Protective gear, including helmets, can reduce the severity of head injuries during a motorcycle crash. However, riders remain more exposed than occupants inside passenger vehicles, leaving them vulnerable to serious harm during side impacts. Investigators reviewing these types of crashes often look at speed, visibility, roadway layout, and whether either vehicle had enough time to avoid contact before the vehicles met.
