Newberry man killed, Gainesville woman critically injured in motorcycle accident
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 70-year-old Newberry man was killed today in a crash between a pickup truck and a motorcycle near the intersection of NW 43rd Street and NW 39th Avenue; a 70-year-old Gainesville woman was critically injured in the crash.
At about 2:07 p.m. on March 2, Gainesville Police Department and Gainesville Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle crash in the 3800 block of NW 43rd Street, involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle.
According to preliminary information, the pickup truck was traveling northbound on NW 43rd Street and entered the westbound turn lane while approaching NW 39th Avenue. At the same time, the motorcyclist was reportedly making a left turn from NW 37th Place onto NW 43rd Street. For reasons that remain under investigation, the two vehicles collided in the center lane.
The driver of the pickup truck, a 41-year-old Gainesville resident, was not reported to have serious injuries.
Both occupants of the motorcycle were transported to the hospital. The male passenger, a 70-year-old from Newberry, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The female rider, also 70 years old and from Gainesville, was listed in critical condition and immediately underwent surgery.
The crash remains under investigation.
From what I know of that specific intersection and roadway, the truck driver may, MAY, have entered the turn lane prematurely AND perhaps a nice driver attempted to allow the cyclists to gain access to NW 43rd to travel south. It is and has been something of a “journey of chance” trying to get out of NW 37th and in the southbound lane of 43rd — especially during the afternoon hours.
There are times when trying to do a nice thing ends up being a tragic thing.
Thoughts and prayers for those affected and involved.
Most anyone who has traveled in that area knows you should not attempt a left turn out of NW 37th place to go south on 43rd St. Not that you ‘cannot’, not that it is probibited, but so many crashes have happened right there you probably shouldn’t. Perhaps a no left turn sign should be placed at the intersection directing drivers to only turn right onto NW 43rd street from 37th. Unfortunately there are many other places in town where that left turn will get you. IFO the oaks mall on newberry by the bank is another area where eastbound vehicles t bone cars turning into the mall across traffic. Yes you can, but you probably shouldn’t.
In the new world of distracted and no insurance drivers, riding a motorcycle, scooter, or bike is taking your life at risk.
Gainesville is a right-turn-only city now—unless you want to risk losing your life.
Both that, and turning out of the Milhopper Library are dangerous.