A late-night ride in northwest Las Vegas turned fatal early Sunday when a car turned left in front of a motorcycle on Buffalo Drive and failed to yield, according to police. The crash happened shortly after midnight between Washington Avenue and Vegas Drive, throwing the rider from the bike. The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital, where they later died. The driver of the other vehicle was also transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
What investigators say
Investigators told FOX5 that the driver of a 2019 Infiniti Q50 attempted a left turn and failed to yield to the rider on a 2024 Kawasaki Ninja. Metro police said the Infiniti driver showed no signs of impairment and stayed at the scene, cooperating with detectives as they documented the crash.
Recent pattern of left-turn crashes
This is the latest deadly motorcycle collision in the valley this month. Earlier this week, a rider died after a crash at Russell Road and South Buffalo Drive, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Traffic-safety advocates have long warned that left turns on busy arterial roads are a recurring recipe for serious motorcycle crashes.
Police investigation
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Collision Investigation Section is leading the case and will release additional details as they are confirmed. Anyone with information is urged to contact Metro or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers, in line with the department's guidance on its news page.
