A 62-year-old motorcyclist died at midday Thursday when he ran his motorcycle into a median, crashing on State Road A1A near the intersection with Old A1A, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The motorcyclist, a St. Augustine resident, was traveling south when he ran off the road. According to dispatch notes to Flagler County’s 911 center, the crash was initially reported as involving a truck, though early reports to 911 can be erroneous. The truck did not stay at the scene. “Tractor trailer was not involved,” authorities reported to 911 an hour after the crash.
The crash near the entrance to the Las Casitas subdivision was reported to 911 at 12:51 p.m. by a caller who was almost immediately tending to the victim. The caller reported that the man, who was wearing a helmet, had no pulse.
Flagler County Fire Rescue units were at the scene within minutes and A1A was shut down in both directions for several hours. A paramedic pronounced the victim deceased at the scene at 1 p.m. The medical examiner arrived at the scene after 4 p.m. and transported the body to St. Augustine for an autopsy. A1A was reopened in both directions at 4:28 p.m.
The crash took place at the same curve of A1A where the car 67-year-old Gary Robert St. Peter and 64-year-old David Zlokas were driving on a November night in 2017 left the road and crashed in the brush, killing St. Peter. But that crash was attributed to Zlokas’s drunk driving. He was convicted of DUI manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison, serving a little over four. He was released in October 2023.
Thursday’s crash was similar to a motorcyclist fatality on A1A in Flagler Beach in March, where the victim struck the center median after midnight. It was the 10th fatality of the year on Flagler County roads and the third motorcycle fatality. There have been over 750 crashes in the county this year, over 460 of them with injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP did not release the identity of the crash victim.
Bob Ziolkowski says
We have lived in this immediate area for just over 20 years and I recall a fatal motorcycle accident on that curve probably 15 years ago – I still remember the cross/memorial that was at the scene for a while. I also ride and had gone that way to my doctor about 3 hours before this incident; I think of that past one every time I ride through the curve. I do not think the curve is dangerous but then again, I do not exceed the speed limit. I have 40+ years of experience riding so maybe that matters; however, I am also 62 so I will not speculate as to why this happened: RIP.
Jay Tomm says
They NEED to get rid of those hard medians!!!!!! They don’t belong on those narrow roads! Put up stop signs or lights if you want to slow traffic.
Bob Ziolkowski says
There are no hard mediums there, just grass – no curbs, etc. And it is a curve so there cannot be lights or stop signs – if you saw the location you would understand.
Stephanie says
Godspeed Tony. I can’t believe you are gone.
BuckeyeGuy says
Well now, let’s put deadly high curbs along A1A exactly where there are scenic ocean views on one side, residences and tourist destinations on the other side. What could go wrong even with the most cautious drivers? BAM! That’s what. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Before there’s another deadly crash or serious injury, GET RID OF THOSE HIGH CURBS IN FLAGLER BEACH! Damn the studies that say they’re safe. Damn the FDOT protocol that rubber stamps these deadly walls. We have bodies of evidence that speak to the contrary of their safety. If not now, then when? All minds can agree that these STOP WALLS must GO! Replace them with beveled curbs that at the most will facilitate a response from the driver, and maybe a proper correction, even if they’re sitting in the median after running over one. It’s a better, safer, more viable solution. And it is a solution. Waiting for more death and injury is not a solution.