St. Thomas, ND (July 20, 2026) – A motorcycle rider and his passenger were seriously injured in a collision with a pickup on Saturday, July 18. The accident happened shortly before 1:00 p.m. on Highway 66 west of St. Thomas.
A group of motorcycles was traveling west as a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado approached from the opposite direction. A 2008 Harley-Davidson near the back of the group braked sharply when another motorcycle slowed ahead.
The 36-year-old rider swerved, lost control, and crossed the centerline. The Harley-Davidson struck the rear driver’s-side tire and bed of the eastbound pickup, throwing both occupants from the motorcycle.
Emergency units took the rider and his 27-year-old passenger to a hospital in Grafton. The rider was later transferred to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks for further treatment. The 27-year-old Louisiana woman driving the Silverado was not hurt. The cause of the crash remains under review.
We hope both patients receive steady care as they recover.
How Sudden Braking Can Affect Motorcycles Traveling in Groups
Motorcycles need adequate space to slow safely, especially when several riders travel together. A sudden speed change near the front can quickly affect everyone behind, leaving less time for each rider to react.
Two-wheeled vehicles can become unstable during hard braking or abrupt steering. Tire grip, road surface, speed, and balance may influence whether the rider remains in control. Crossing into an opposing lane creates added danger because traffic may be approaching at highway speeds.
Group riders frequently use staggered formations to improve visibility and following distance. Clear signals can also help communicate turns or slowing traffic. Even with careful spacing, unexpected changes may require quick decisions. Reviewing vehicle paths, contact points, and pavement marks can help explain how a motorcycle moved before striking another vehicle.
