Howell County, MO — May 1, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 11:43 A.M. on US-63.

An investigation is underway following a motorcycle accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of May 1st. According to official reports, a 46-year-old man was traveling on a Harley Davidson on US-63 in the southbound lanes, when for unknown reasons it struck a Kia Sportage as it was turning.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the motorcycle rider had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital via helicopter. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the identity of the driver or the status of their injuries, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary

Crashes involving motorcycles and turning vehicles frequently lead to serious injuries, and they are often assumed to result from visibility issues or rider speed. But based on my experience, these cases require a deeper level of scrutiny to fully understand how and why the crash occurred. In the May 1st collision on US-63 involving a Harley Davidson and a Kia Sportage, there are three essential questions that must be answered as part of any meaningful investigation.

First, was the scene thoroughly investigated with attention to the timing and positioning of each vehicle? Intersections and turn-related movements often depend on precise timing. Investigators should determine whether the Kia had a protected turn or was yielding to oncoming traffic, whether the motorcycle was within the speed limit, and if either party had a reasonable opportunity to avoid the collision. Skid marks, point of impact, and vehicle positioning all offer crucial clues to reconstructing the moment of collision.

Second, has the possibility of a mechanical or visibility-related failure been considered? Motorcycles like a Harley Davidson depend heavily on braking systems, tire integrity, and stability controls, all of which should be examined for malfunctions that might have affected the rider’s ability to slow down or swerve. On the other side, a vehicle turning across lanes of traffic must be assessed for visibility and mirror coverage—particularly whether the driver had an unobstructed view of approaching vehicles or if blind spots played a role in their decision to turn.

Third, has all electronic data been gathered from the involved vehicles? While most motorcycles don’t include comprehensive electronic control modules (ECMs), the Kia Sportage likely does. The Sportage’s ECM can provide pre-crash data like speed, throttle input, and brake usage. This information may help clarify whether the vehicle was slowing, turning, or accelerating at the moment of impact. Additional context from dash cams, surveillance footage, or traffic cameras can help verify the sequence of events and clarify whether the crash resulted from driver misjudgment, miscommunication between operators, or a sudden hazard.

Motorcycle crashes often have severe consequences, and when the cause is unclear, these three investigative questions offer a clear path toward finding answers. They help ensure the crash is not oversimplified and that any contributing mechanical or environmental factors are not overlooked. For those injured, and for the broader effort to improve roadway safety, asking the right questions is the first and most important step.