A fatal motorcycle accident occurred this morning at the intersection of Soutel Drive and New Kings Road in Northwest Jacksonville, resulting in the death of a man in his late 40s. According to Action News Jax, the motorcyclist collided with the rear of a tractor-trailer that was turning. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene around 5:50 a.m.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the motorcyclist was traveling southbound on New Kings Road when a northbound car hauler attempted a left turn onto Soutel Drive. The motorcycle struck the rear of the truck during the turn. The truck driver was initially unaware of the collision and was informed after officers made contact, as reported by News4Jax.
This accident is the 17th traffic fatality in Duval County for this year, including five involving motorcycles. It is also the third motorcycle crash reported in Jacksonville within a week. Authorities confirmed that the rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident.
After the crash, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department pronounced the motorcyclist deceased at the scene. The driver of the car hauler is cooperating with the investigation, and authorities indicate that charges are unlikely. As per First Coast News, a witness reported that the motorcyclist ran a red light just before the collision. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officials emphasized the importance of road safety, advising motorcyclists to wear helmets and high-visibility gear to help reduce the risk of accidents.
