Available 
SHIRLEY, Suffolk County, N.Y., Oct. 13, 2026 — A motorcyclist died Monday afternoon, October 12, after a crash on William Floyd Parkway near Ridgewood Drive, Suffolk County police said. The road was closed in both directions for hours afterward.
Police said officers responded to the crash scene at around 1:20 p.m. Monday. A 55 year old Holbrook man was reportedly riding a motorcycle southbound on William Floyd Parkway when he lost control. The motorcycle struck the driver's side of a parked Jeep, and the rider was thrown from the bike, according to police.
The man was taken to NYU Langone Hospital, Suffolk in Patchogue, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Suffolk County has publicly identified him as Robert Haufler of Holbrook.
The motorcycle was impounded for a mechanical inspection, investigators said. The Seventh Squad is asking anyone with information about the crash to come forward; no further details on the cause have been released.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk in Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists carry a different level of exposure than drivers and passengers in enclosed vehicles simply because there is no frame, airbag, or seatbelt between the rider and the road or another vehicle. A crash that a car occupant might walk away from can leave a rider with serious injuries or worse.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. Riders in single-vehicle crashes, including those who lose control and strike a fixed or parked object, make up a notable share of that toll, since there is often no other driver involved to help explain what happened.
Age and experience also shape outcomes. Older riders tend to suffer more severe injuries when a crash does happen, even though younger and less experienced riders are more often involved in the crash itself. Speed, road surface conditions, and whether a rider is thrown from the motorcycle all affect how survivable a given impact turns out to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What protective gear reduces injury for motorcyclists?
A DOT-approved helmet, a reinforced jacket and pants, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots all help reduce the severity of injuries in a crash. Helmets in particular lower the risk of fatal head injury.
What usually causes motorcycle crashes?
Common factors include speeding, loss of control on a curve or uneven pavement, driver inattention, and left-turning vehicles that fail to see an oncoming motorcycle.
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries than car crashes?
Riders lack the structural protection of a vehicle frame, airbags, and seatbelts, so the same impact speed that a car occupant might survive without injury can be life-threatening for a motorcyclist.
How do left-turning vehicles cause collisions with motorcycles?
A driver turning left at an intersection or driveway may misjudge a motorcycle's speed or distance, or simply not see it, and turn directly into its path.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Shirley, NY
If you're involved in a motorcycle crash, try to move to a safe location if you're able and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries, especially to the head or internal organs, aren't obvious right away.
Make sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and request a copy of the police report once it's available. Keep track of medical records and any repair estimates for the motorcycle, since these details can matter later. Above all, give yourself time to recover and lean on friends, family, or local support resources in Shirley while you do.
