WANTAGE TOWNSHIP, Sussex County, N.J., Oct. 12, 2026 — A motorcyclist suffered moderate injuries Saturday night, October 10, after colliding with an SUV on Route 23 in Wantage Township, according to the New Jersey State Police.
Troopers said they responded at about 8:19 p.m. to a crash on Route 23 north near milepost 40.9. A preliminary investigation found that a Subaru SUV was turning left onto Route 23 south when the driver reportedly failed to see a Harley-Davidson motorcycle heading north, state police said. The front of the motorcycle hit the side of the Subaru.
The motorcyclist was taken to an area hospital with moderate injuries, troopers said. No other injuries were reported at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation. State police said no additional details were available.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
A Common Misconception About Left-Turn Motorcycle Crashes
Many drivers assume that if they glance at an intersection and don't see a car-sized shape, the road is clear to turn. That assumption is part of why left-turn crashes involving motorcycles keep happening: a motorcycle's narrow profile is easy to miss or misjudge in speed, even in a quick, attentive look.
It's also a mistake to think these crashes are rare or freakish. They are one of the most common ways riders get hurt, not because riders behave unpredictably, but because other drivers misread what they see, or don't see it at all.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023. That figure reflects how often a split-second misjudgment at an intersection, not just high speed or reckless riding, turns into a serious or fatal outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear actually helps protect a rider in a crash?
A DOT-approved helmet, a sturdy jacket, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots won't prevent a crash, but they reduce the severity of injuries to the head, skin, and joints when a rider goes down or is thrown from the bike.
What usually causes motorcycle accidents?
Common factors include drivers turning left in front of oncoming motorcycles, following too closely, distracted driving, and riders or drivers misjudging speed or distance at intersections.
Why do motorcycle crashes tend to cause more serious injuries than car crashes?
Riders have no frame, airbags, or seatbelts around them, so the force of a collision passes directly to the rider. Even low-speed impacts can cause broken bones or head injuries that a car occupant might walk away from.
Why do left-turning cars hit motorcycles so often?
Drivers turning left are scanning for other cars and can overlook a motorcycle's smaller shape, especially at dusk or in heavier traffic. Misjudging a motorcycle's speed is also common, leading drivers to think they have more time to turn than they do.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Wantage Township, NJ
If you're involved in or witness a motorcycle crash, call 911 right away and stay clear of traffic lanes until help arrives. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since adrenaline can mask pain from fractures or internal injuries.
Make sure to get the names and contact information of anyone involved, and if it's safe to do so, try to take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible damage. Ask responding officers how to obtain a copy of the official crash report once it's filed, since that document can matter later for insurance or medical follow-up.
