A 44-year-old Palm Coast man was killed in a collision with an SUV this morning on I-95 as he rode his motorcycle two miles north of the intersection with Old Dixie Highway.
The crash was initially reported to Flagler County 911 at 9:36 a.m. The Florida Highway Patrol reports that a 68-year-old Ponte Vedra woman and the motorcyclist were both traveling south when “for reasons unknown at this time” the motorcyclist lost control, made contact with the right side of the SUV, and crashed.
It was immediately apparent to callers to 911, as it was to a sheriff’s deputy who first arrived on scene, that the victim had been either severely injured or killed. He was not wearing a helmet and was bleeding from the head, callers to 911 reported. The motorcycle was off the roadway. He was in the right-most lane.
Paramedics arrived at the scene within three minutes and initially called for Flagler County Fire Flight, the emergency helicopter. But the man was pronounced deceased–by an off-duty paramedic–five minutes later.
The 68-year-old woman was not injured, nor was a traffic infraction reported, according to 911 notes.
Two southbound lanes were shut down. Florida Highway Patrol troopers arrived just after 10 a.m. By then, traffic had backed up considerably and some vehicles were driving off the highway the wrong way by taking the on-ramp at State Road 100, several miles north of the crash scene. The Palm Coast Fire Police regulated traffic. The Palm Coast Fire Department and Flagler County Fire Rescue had responded. It was the fifth road fatality in Flagler County this year.
DW says
It seems like there is an accident on I-95 between the US100 and Palm Coast Parkway exits everyday. At 6pm yesterday we spent about an hour in traffic on northbound I-95 in that same area because of an accident.
JDS says
People have become more and more careless. It’s sad. They have no regard for human life anymore!
Support 81 says
Speed cameras on I-4,I-75, I-95 could help slow down traffic! 70 speed limit, 75+mph=$25 warning, 85+mph= $300 ticket, 95+mph=$3,000 ticket, 105+mph=$10,000 ticket plus lost of license for 1 year, and 120mph+ =$50,000 ticket plus lost of license FOREVER! You do NOT have the right to drive your vehicle like a CRAZY A**HOLE SCUMBAG!
Concerned Citizen says
I am sorry that someone has lot their life.But…
Fingers are being pointed at the motorist when it says” The motorcyle lost control for unknown reasons. And made contact with the right side of the SUV” . Please don’t be so quick to condemn the SUV driver. Regardless of the reasons she will have to live with this for the rest of her life.
As someone who drives a lot for their job and is a retired public safety person. This county is the worst for enforcing motorcycle safety rules. Bikes of all sorts do what they want around here. And there is no recourse from our local agencies because they are sympathetic to the biking community. And fear the loss of revenue. I have lived in the area over 23 years now. And can’t remember the last time I saw any type of motorcycle pulled over. And during Bike Week and OctoberFest forget it. They get a free pass and run the area.
We all see the safety campaigns and the sue happy ambulance chaser/lawyers. Ready to sue unsuspecting motorists. But respect goes both ways in keeping the roads safe. And bikers whether they want to admit or not need to follow the rules of the road just like we do.
At the end of the day we ALL want to make it home safe and sound.
Keith says
The man on the motorcycle was driving high speed and weaving in and out of traffic. He mad a mistake and paid dearly for it. My mother was behind him and watched it happen. We can watch for motorcycles but can’t make them drive like civilized motorists.
TR says
I am a motorcycle rider and have to disagree 100% with your comment about motorcycle riders not getting pulled over. I have seen it many times and more during bike week. There are a bunch of bad apples in the bunch of motorcycle riders in this county. The ones you see racing around town or on the interstate just haven’t got caught yet. Just like people driving cars. There are a bunch of drivers that race (speed) around town or on the interstate, so should we assume that they all get a free pass because they haven’t (didn’t) get caught yet when they broke the law? Bikes always get a bad rap for what a few do to brake the law. Stereo typing at it’s best.
I’m not sure what revenue your talking about pertaining to the biker community.
Patricia Boice says
He had just passed me at a very high rate of speed. I was about 10 cars back when he wrecked. Very sad
Concerned Citizen says
Thank you for saying something.
All to many times the Biker community will rally and condemn a motorist. When in fact it turns out to be the Bikers fault. And now an innocent woman has to live with an accident that took someone’s life. And could have been avoided all together.
Because of the careless actions of the Biker he didn’t make it home to his family. Because of his actions his family now has to figure out life without him. And even more sad. A woman was just out and about minding her busniess and her life is changed forever also.
To The driver of the SUV,
I hope you read this article. And find some comfort in knowing you weren’t the cause of his death. He alone was responsible for his actions that day. He alone made a poor choice. And had to deal with the ultimate consequnce.
I hope that we all reflect on this. And ask ourselves what can we do to make our roads a little bit safer.
In the end it starts with everyone of us. Whether behind that wheel or handle bar. It’s our choice to make the roads a little safer. And it starts with respect.
Marw says
More big brother.that’s what we need.. let’s install body cams on our significant others so we can make sure they don’t cheat
Rrnee says
Too many people in palm coast now, it’s way overpopulated!
Kathy says
The motorcyclist was having motorcyle issues. It wasnt carelessness on anyones part. Eccept he shouldnt have been driving it and he should have been wearing a helmet. He had kids and family and friends. Please be kind when people like me his friends come across these articles.
Pete says
Motorcycle issues huh…good one! He was driving recklessly and unfortunately and had no regard for the people he left behind or the others on the road with him.
CHARLES F SOMERS says
I find fault with the person who is driving recklessly. Weaving in and out of traffic is reckless. I drive I95 every day and see both cars and bikes weaving in and out of traffic. Are they really in that much of a hurry to meet their maker? I ride a bike also, but we all need to be paying attention to our own actions as well as others. I have been cut off by bikers and cars alike both on my bike and my truck. I have had cars and semis decide to pull over into the side of me while on my bike. I am still here to tell the story because I was paying attention to other drivers. Lit the chips fall on the person at fault.
Dan says
God bless and keep him, we all have our time, may god shine his light upon his face and welcome him into his Kingdom.
I ride my Harley often on the A1A and I have had many occasions to become upset at people looking down at their phones. I ride proactively and I would never think of getting on I95, period. I avoid it driving my convertible as well, it’s a death trap and people become less and less alert and accountable every day.
They need to disable your cell phone while driving, a helmet would not have saved this guy.
To the folks who are witnesses to the accident, thank you for sharing the truth in the matter. To me, indeed this is a selfish act, but I am not his judge. I have empathy for his family and in particular children, may they have some peace and comfort.