SALEM, Salem County, N.H., Sept. 16, 2026 — A motorcycle crash with injury reported Tuesday evening, September 15, prompted a temporary closure of South Broadway in Salem, according to authorities.
Salem police and fire crews responded around 5:15 p.m. to the area of 320 South Broadway (Route 28), authorities said. At least one person was hurt, though the extent of the injuries has not been released.
By about 5:30 p.m., authorities had shut down South Broadway near Kelly Road while crews worked the scene. Drivers were asked to find alternate routes while the road remained closed.
No further details on what led to the crash have been released. The circumstances remain under investigation, and officials have not said whether any citations are expected.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Why Left Turns Are So Dangerous for Motorcyclists
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the motorcyclist fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was almost 28 times the passenger-car occupant fatality rate in 2023. That gap comes largely from crashes where a motorcycle has little to protect its rider when another vehicle strikes it, especially at intersections where a car turning left crosses the motorcycle's path.
A motorcycle presents a narrower profile than a car or truck, and its speed can be harder for a driver to judge in the seconds before a turn. Many intersection crashes happen because a driver looks for other cars, not for a bike, and pulls out or turns directly into its lane.
Because riders have no frame or airbags around them, even a crash at moderate speed can throw them from the bike and onto the pavement or into another vehicle. That difference in outcome, not just the frequency of these crashes, is part of why the fatality rate is so much higher for motorcyclists than for people in cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do left-turning vehicles end up hitting motorcycles?
A common pattern is a car waiting to turn left at an intersection or driveway that misjudges a motorcycle's speed or distance and pulls into its path, or simply doesn't see it among other traffic.
What can drivers do to spot motorcycles more reliably?
Checking twice before turning or changing lanes, allowing extra time to judge a motorcycle's speed, and avoiding assumptions based on how far away it appears to be all help reduce the chance of a collision.
What should a rider do right after a crash?
If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic, call 911, and get checked by medical personnel even if injuries seem minor, since some, like head or internal injuries, aren't always immediately obvious.
Are motorcycle crashes more likely at intersections?
Intersections are a common site for motorcycle collisions because they involve turning vehicles, cross-traffic, and moments where a driver's attention is divided among several things at once.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Salem, NH
If you're involved in or witness a motorcycle crash in Salem, call 911 right away and stay clear of moving traffic while waiting for help. Even riders who feel able to stand and walk should be evaluated by paramedics, since adrenaline can mask pain from fractures or internal injuries.
Try to note what you saw, including where vehicles were positioned and the direction each was traveling, since these details can be hard to recall later. If your vehicle is involved, exchange information with other drivers and cooperate with responding officers so they can document the scene accurately.
It's important to follow up with your own doctor in the days after, even if you were treated at the scene or released from a hospital quickly. Some injuries from motorcycle crashes take a day or two to become noticeable.
