Motorcyclist Injured in Ridge Crash as Motorcycle Safety Remains a Community Concern

By Samantha Vogel | Editor, Long Island Daily News
August 20, 2026

RIDGE, NY — One person was injured Wednesday night after two motorcycles were involved in a crash at Randall Road and Whiskey Road in Ridge, according to Suffolk County Police.

The crash occurred shortly before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19. Police said one person suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. An ambulance responded to the scene, although authorities had not immediately confirmed whether the injured person was transported to a hospital.

Additional details about what caused the collision and the identities of those involved were not immediately available.

While this incident fortunately was not reported as fatal, it serves as another reminder of the vulnerability of motorcyclists on Long Island’s roads.

Motorcycle Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Motorcycle safety isn’t solely the responsibility of the person riding the motorcycle.

Drivers of cars, SUVs and trucks share the road with motorcyclists and have an equally important role in preventing crashes. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be more difficult to see, particularly at intersections, at night and when changing lanes.

Drivers should take an extra moment to look for motorcycles before turning or entering an intersection. Check mirrors and blind spots carefully before changing lanes, maintain a safe following distance, and never assume that because you don’t immediately see another vehicle, the roadway is clear.

For motorcyclists, defensive riding is equally important. Wearing appropriate protective equipment, remaining visible, maintaining a safe speed for conditions and anticipating the actions of surrounding motorists can make a critical difference.

And for everyone on the road: put the phone down. A text, notification or social media post can wait. A few seconds of distraction behind the wheel can permanently change someone’s life.

Look Twice, Save a Life

There is a reason the phrase “Look Twice, Save a Life” has become so closely associated with motorcycle awareness.

A motorcycle may be carrying someone’s son or daughter, mother or father, husband or wife, sibling, friend or neighbor.

Motorcyclists aren’t obstacles in the roadway. They are people trying to make it home safely.

Before making a left turn, look twice.

Before pulling out of a driveway or side street, look twice.

Before changing lanes, look twice.

Before opening a vehicle door alongside traffic, look twice.

Those additional seconds of attention can save a life.

Motorcyclists also have a responsibility to ride safely, obey traffic laws and recognize the risks that come with riding. Motorcycle safety works best when riders and motorists respect one another and recognize that everyone has the same goal at the end of a trip: getting home safely.

Wednesday night’s crash in Ridge is another opportunity for all of us to remember that responsibility.

Share the road. Stay alert. Put the phone down. Look twice for motorcycles.

Because no family should receive the phone call that every parent, spouse, sibling and loved one fears.

Long Island Daily News will provide additional information about the Ridge crash if it becomes available.

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