Around 6:30pm on Thursday, May 29th, a motorcyclist unfortunately lost his life while riding near Broadway Boulevard and State Fair Boulevard in Sedalia, Missouri. As a Dodge Charger was attempting to make a left turn, it pulled out and struck a Ducati motorcycle, ejecting the driver of the bike. The driver, a 19-year-old man, was taken to the hospital but succumb to his injuries there.
This collision serves as a jarring reminder of the importance of safety on the roads at all times. This heinous tragedy was avoidable, and this young man’s life could have been saved if all drivers had adhered to traffic laws including yielding, moving at or below the speed limit, and allowing ample time to merge. While it is not written into the law, it’s important to mention that defensive driving techniques—like giving other drivers more room than they made need, or being hyper-cautious—can, and often do save lives. Traffic laws exist not as suggestions, but as critical safeguards designed to protect everyone on the road. When drivers ignore right-of-way rules or make hasty, unlawful decisions, they put lives at risk and expose themselves to serious legal consequences, including charges of negligence or vehicular manslaughter. Consistent enforcement and compliance with these laws are essential to preventing such tragedies. Road safety isn’t just a matter of courtesy—it’s a legal responsibility that must be taken seriously by all.