SALT LAKE CITY, Salt Lake County, Utah, Sept. 28, 2026 — A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries on Sunday evening, September 27, in a crash with a car near West Independence Boulevard and Redwood Road in Salt Lake City.
Officers responding around 7 p.m. reportedly found the motorcycle rider down in the roadway with serious injuries, according to Lt. Steve Woolridge with the Salt Lake City Police Department. The driver of the car remained at the scene.
The rider's condition has not been released. It's unclear how many people were involved beyond the driver and the motorcyclist.
The crash remains under investigation. Police have not said what led up to the collision, and no additional details have been released as of Monday.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
Why Left Turns Are a Common Trigger for Motorcycle Crashes
Many car-versus-motorcycle collisions happen because a driver making a left turn misjudges how close an oncoming motorcycle is, or doesn't see it at all. A motorcycle's narrow profile can make it harder to spot against traffic, and drivers scanning for other cars sometimes look past it entirely.
Speed estimation adds to the problem. Because motorcycles are smaller, drivers often underestimate how fast one is approaching, and turn across its path, believing they have more time than they actually do. This pattern shows up so often in crash data that safety researchers have a name for it: the "look but failed to see" error.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 34 percent of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes had no valid motorcycle license in 2023. That figure points to a separate issue underlying many of these crashes: riders who may not have completed the training required to anticipate hazards, such as a car turning left in front of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are motorcycle crashes more likely at intersections?
Yes. Intersections involve turning, crossing, and merging traffic, all of which raise the odds that a driver won't see an approaching motorcycle in time.
Does road surface make a difference for riders?
It can. Loose gravel, potholes, wet pavement, and painted lane markings all reduce a motorcycle's traction more than they affect a car, making sudden braking or swerving riskier.
What gear actually helps reduce injury?
A DOT-approved helmet, a reinforced jacket, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots are commonly cited by safety researchers as reducing the severity of head, hand, and lower-limb injuries in a crash.
What typically causes car-versus-motorcycle crashes?
Left-turning vehicles, unsafe lane changes, and drivers failing to see a motorcycle in traffic are among the most frequently cited factors in crash reports.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Salt Lake City, UT
If you're involved in or witness a motorcycle crash, call 911 right away and stay put until officers arrive. Even if injuries seem minor at first, adrenaline can mask pain, so a medical evaluation soon after the crash is worth doing.
Take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and get contact information from anyone nearby who saw what happened. Ask for a copy of the police report once it's filed, since it often becomes important later for insurance purposes.
Riders and drivers alike should follow up with their own doctor in the days after, even for injuries that seem mild at the scene.
