A woman riding a motorcycle was killed late Friday night after a vehicle slammed into her and took off near La Loma Avenue and Morton Boulevard in Modesto, police said. Officers were called to the area just before 10 p.m., and first responders rushed the rider to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Investigators say they have since located a vehicle they believe was involved, and both the crash and the suspected driver remain under investigation.
What Police Say
According to CBS Sacramento, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a collision at the intersection and arrived to find that the vehicle that hit the motorcycle had already left the scene. The rider, described only as a woman, was taken to a hospital but did not survive, and police have not yet released her name. Investigators later found the vehicle they believe struck her, but have not released further details about the car or any potential charges.
Where It Happened
The crash took place on La Loma Avenue near Morton Boulevard, an area the city has flagged for recent traffic-impact and sewer projects and that sits near the Dry Creek regional trail, according to Modesto.gov. City traffic notices show ongoing work along La Loma and parts of North Morton Boulevard, which can alter lane patterns and make night driving trickier. Those kinds of conditions are among the factors investigators typically look at when reconstructing serious crashes.
Motorcycle Safety In California
Motorcyclists are heavily overrepresented in deadly traffic crashes. UC Berkeley’s SafeTREC reports that riders accounted for about 15.5 percent of all traffic deaths nationwide in 2023, and that California saw 583 motorcyclist fatalities that year. SafeTREC’s analysis also finds that most fatal motorcycle collisions occur on urban streets and at intersections, highlighting how risky city riding can be. In hit-and-run cases, the delay in aid and evidence gathering can complicate both rescue efforts and the investigation.
Legal Consequences
California law comes down hard on drivers who take off after a serious crash. Those who fail to stop after an accident that injures or kills someone can face felony charges, and Vehicle Code Section 20001 lays out the duty to remain at the scene and the penalties when a death or major injury is involved. A conviction can mean prison time, fines, and administrative actions like losing a driver’s license. Prosecutors typically file felony hit-and-run charges when evidence suggests a driver fled after causing a death or severe injury.
Authorities have not yet released the motorcyclist’s name, according to CBS Sacramento, and Modesto police say the investigation is ongoing. This story will be updated as officials release more details.
