Bell County, TX — August 28, 2024, Bryce Kelso was injured a motorcycle versus car accident at approximately 4:15 p.m. along Stan Schlueter Loop.

According to authorities, 29-year-old Bryce Kelso was traveling on a southwest bound motorcycle on Stan Schlueter Loop (F.M. 3470) at the Bacon Ranch Road intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a northeast bound Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck attempted a left turn onto Bacon Ranch Road at an apparently unsafe time, failing to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. This resulted in a collision between the front-right side of the pickup truck and the front-end of the motorcycle. Kelso reportedly suffered serious injuries over the course of the accident. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time.

Commentary

Crashes involving motorcycles and left-turning vehicles are among the most dangerous types of collisions on our roads. When a rider like Bryce Kelso is seriously hurt in a crash with a left-turning vehicle, as appears to be the case here, it’s common to focus solely on the other driver's decision to turn. But from experience, I know the full story is often more complex. To understand what really happened—and to ensure that the injured party and their family get the answers they deserve—we have to start with three critical questions.

First, did investigators thoroughly evaluate the crash? In left-turn collisions, it’s crucial to determine whether the turning driver had a reasonable opportunity to see the oncoming vehicle, or whether there were visual obstructions, unclear signage, or confusing traffic patterns. Investigators should examine the intersection’s design, visibility conditions, and any available video from traffic or nearby surveillance cameras. They also need to collect statements from witnesses and document the exact positioning of the vehicles at impact. If any of that information was missed or not carefully recorded, important truths about the crash could be lost.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the collision? While most people think of driver error in cases like this, it's worth asking whether either vehicle experienced a mechanical failure. For instance, if the Chevrolet Silverado had brake or steering issues, the driver may not have been able to avoid turning into oncoming traffic even if they intended to stop. On the motorcycle side, a throttle or brake malfunction could limit the rider’s ability to avoid a collision. These kinds of failures are often invisible at the scene and require a detailed forensic examination of both vehicles to detect.

Finally, has all relevant electronic data been collected? While motorcycles typically don’t have event data recorders, some newer models or rider apps may log performance metrics like speed, throttle position, and braking. The Silverado, on the other hand, likely does have a black box system that records speed, braking, and steering activity leading up to the crash. This data can be critical in determining whether the driver attempted to avoid the collision and whether the vehicle responded appropriately. Investigators should also check for dashcams, GPS logs, or surveillance footage that might provide additional clarity.

Answering these three questions is critical to making sure that no stone is left unturned in understanding the causes of a crash like this. Serious wrecks deserve serious investigation, not assumptions. Getting clear answers to these questions is crucial for those seeking to understand what happened and why—and it's the least that can be done to help those affected find the clarity and closure they deserve.