A routine drive on a rural stretch of 90th Avenue in Baldwin Township turned tragic Thursday evening when a teenage driver turned in front of an oncoming motorcycle, fatally injuring the rider.
The motorcyclist, identified as 57-year-old Darin S. Ofstie of Baldwin, was airlifted to Regions Hospital with critical injuries and later died. The driver of the car suffered only minor injuries.
Crash details
According to the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, the two-vehicle crash happened around 4:45 p.m. on the 2200 block of 90th Avenue. Investigators say an eastbound Pontiac Vibe made a left-hand turn into the path of a westbound motorcycle.
Ofstie, the motorcycle rider, was flown to Regions Hospital and died that evening. The Pontiac was driven by a 16-year-old from Baldwin, who was treated for minor injuries. Authorities said the teen was wearing a seatbelt, and there is no traffic control on that section of road, as reported by KSTP.
Left-turn crashes are a leading cause
Crashes where another vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle are among the most common deadly two-vehicle crash scenarios for riders. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that these crossing-path crashes are the single most frequent type of fatal two-vehicle motorcycle crash, accounting for about 26% of such deaths, according to IIHS.
Helmets and state law
Wisconsin law does not require helmets for adult motorcyclists. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says helmets are mandatory only for operators and passengers under 18, though the agency strongly encourages all riders to wear one, per Wisconsin DOT.
Federal public health guidance has found that helmets can reduce the risk of death in a motorcycle crash by about 37% and cut the risk of a head injury by roughly 69%, figures experts say can be decisive in crashes like this, according to the CDC.
Investigation underway
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the crash. As of now, authorities have not announced any charges, and additional details have not been released, KSTP reports. Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact the sheriff's office.
