Hazelwood, MO (September 8, 2026) – A 45-year-old St. Louis man was killed late Sunday night, September 6, when his motorcycle was struck by a car that ran a red light in Hazelwood. It happened around 11:31 p.m. at the intersection of North Lindbergh Boulevard and Elm Grove Avenue.
The motorcyclist was heading southbound on Lindbergh Boulevard, also known as U.S. Highway 67, when a 17-year-old driver heading northbound in a left-turn lane failed to stop at a red light and turned into his path, according to troopers.
The motorcycle and car collided, and the rider was ejected and slid across the roadway. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The teen driver was not injured. Troopers said neither vehicle had listed insurance coverage, though both drivers were wearing safety devices at the time.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and the motorcycle was declared a total loss. Whether the teen driver will face charges remains under review. Our condolences go out to the motorcyclist’s family and loved ones.
Why Are Left-Turn Crashes So Dangerous for Motorcyclists?
Left-turn incidents at intersections consistently rank among the most dangerous maneuvers on the road, accounting for a significant share of crashes nationwide. A driver waiting to turn left has to judge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic accurately, and running a red light removes the safety window that signal timing is designed to provide.
Motorcyclists face heightened risk in these cases because a turning driver may not see a bike as easily as a car, especially at night when a single headlight can be harder to judge in terms of distance and closing speed. Ejection from the motorcycle, as happened here, results in more severe injuries than remaining with the bike during a lower-speed slide.
Newer drivers, including teens on an intermediate license, are still developing the judgment needed to react quickly to signal changes and cross traffic. Graduated licensing programs are designed to build that experience gradually, though a momentary lapse, like failing to stop at a red light, can still lead to a serious outcome even under otherwise permitted driving hours.
