Orangeburg, SC (March 21, 2026) – A dirt bike rider died following a two-vehicle crash on US 178 near Boyd Rd in Orangeburg County.
The accident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20. Early reports indicate that a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling eastbound on US 178 when a 1990 Kawasaki dirt bike was traveling westbound. The SUV struck the dirt bike as it turned left into a driveway.
Emergency units responded to the scene and transported the dirt bike operator to MUSC Orangeburg. The rider later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the SUV, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was not injured. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released by the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Left Turns Can Lead to Severe Motorcycle and Dirt Bike Collisions
Crashes involving motorcycles or dirt bikes frequently occur when another vehicle turns across their path. Turning vehicles must accurately judge the speed and distance of oncoming two-wheeled traffic before entering the roadway.
Because motorcycles and dirt bikes are smaller and less visible than SUVs or cars, drivers may misjudge how long a turn will take. Even moderate impacts can cause riders to be thrown from their vehicles, leading to severe or fatal injuries.
These collisions often occur near driveways, intersections, or areas where vehicles frequently slow or stop. Riders have limited physical protection compared to car occupants, so the force of a collision—even at lower speeds—can result in critical injuries.
