A severe collision on Scarborough Boulevard has shaken Columbus neighborhoods. On Saturday, May 31, 2025, at approximately 1:50 PM, a 28-year-old motorcyclist suffered critical injuries after colliding with a Penske box truck making an illegal U-turn. This incident underscores urgent safety concerns for Ohio riders.
Accident Details
The motorcyclist, riding a 2014 Harley Davidson westbound near Brice Road, struck the rear of a 2023 Penske box truck as it attempted a U-turn. The impact point indicates the truck had entirely blocked the lane during its maneuver.
Emergency responders rushed the rider to Mt. Carmel East Hospital in unstable, critical condition. No eyewitness accounts are public yet, but police confirm the truck driver remained at the scene.
Official Investigation
The Columbus Division of Police’s Accident Investigation Unit (AIU) is leading the probe. Key findings so far:
- The box truck’s U-turn violated Columbus City Code Section 2131.12, which bans all U-turns citywide – stricter than Ohio state law.
- AIU is reconstructing the crash, examining vehicle speeds, road conditions, and potential construction impacts.
- No fault determination is public yet. Official updates will be posted on the Columbus Police Press Releases page.
Ohio’s Motorcycle Safety Crisis
This crash fits alarming statewide trends:
- Franklin County had 16 fatal motorcycle crashes in 2024 – highest in Ohio.
- 64% of fatal Ohio motorcycle crashes involve rider error (per Ohio State Highway Patrol 2019-2023 data).
- Left-turn/U-turn collisions like this are common, especially with commercial vehicles whose blind spots make maneuvers risky.
- Nearby I-270/Brice Road construction may have disrupted traffic patterns, increasing confusion.
This preventable crash highlights how violating traffic laws – like Columbus’s U-turn ban – can devastate lives. As investigations continue, all road users must prioritize vigilance. Riders: gear up and ride defensively. Drivers: know local laws and always look twice. Together, we can make Ohio’s roads safer.
Stay updated via the Columbus Division of Police and local news. Our thoughts are with the injured rider and family.
