Daphne Crashes Pile Up Over 72 Hours as Motorcycle Wreck on U.S. 90 Injures Two

DAPHNE, Ala. — A collision between a motorcycle and a car on U.S. 90 on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 27, injured two people and shut down part of the busy highway, capping a stretch of roughly 72 hours in which the city saw several serious Daphne crashes involving injuries.

The run of wrecks included a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, a golf cart rollover at Lake Forest Golf Club and another injury crash at U.S. 90 and Jubilee Parkway.

Motorcycle and car collide on U.S. 90

Tuesday’s crash happened on U.S. 90 near the LongHorn Steakhouse in Daphne. It involved a motorcycle and another motor vehicle, and two people were hurt, according to reports from the scene.

Daphne police and firefighters responded along with an ambulance, and a medical helicopter was also dispatched. Part of the roadway was closed while crews worked the scene.

The names of the people involved, the extent of their injuries and the cause of the crash were not immediately released.

Other Daphne crashes in recent days

Tuesday’s wreck followed several other injury crashes in the city over the previous few days:

• Pedestrian struck on Rileywood Drive: A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle on Rileywood Drive, off State Highway 181. Details on the person’s condition were not released.
• Golf cart rollover at Lake Forest Golf Club: On Saturday, Oct. 24, a golf cart overturned at the Lake Forest Golf Club, seriously injuring one person, who was flown by medical helicopter for treatment. Daphne police charged the driver, Monte Eugene Meyers, with driving under the influence. The charge is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
• Crash at U.S. 90 and Jubilee Parkway: Another wreck with reported injuries occurred at the intersection of U.S. 90 and Jubilee Parkway.

A busy corridor

U.S. 90 is one of the main east-west routes through Daphne and the Eastern Shore, carrying commuters, shoppers and through traffic past restaurants, shopping centers and neighborhoods. Commercial stretches such as the area near Jubilee Parkway see frequent turning traffic in and out of businesses.

State Highway 181 is another major Daphne corridor. It runs north and south on the east side of the city and connects Interstate 10, U.S. 90 and growing neighborhoods along the way, and it is lined with residential streets such as Rileywood Drive.

Why the Daphne crashes matter for motorcyclists

Crashes between motorcycles and passenger vehicles are especially dangerous for riders, who have little protection in a collision. Federal highway safety data have long shown that motorcyclists are far more likely than people in cars to be killed or seriously injured in a crash, mile for mile.

A common scenario is a car turning left across the path of an oncoming motorcycle, often because the driver did not see the bike or misjudged its speed. Safety officials urge drivers to look twice for motorcycles before turning or changing lanes, and remind riders to wear helmets and bright or reflective gear and to ride defensively, assuming drivers may not see them.

Pedestrian and golf cart safety

Pedestrian crashes are also a concern in fast-growing suburban areas like the Eastern Shore, where many streets were built for cars and have limited sidewalks or crosswalks. Pedestrians are encouraged to cross at marked crossings when possible, wear light or reflective clothing at night and stay alert to traffic, while drivers are urged to slow down in neighborhoods and watch for people walking.

Golf carts, which are common in Daphne communities such as Lake Forest, can tip over easily on slopes or sharp turns, and most lack seat belts and doors. Riders should keep speeds low, keep arms and legs inside and never drive a golf cart after drinking.

Tips for drivers

• Put the phone down and keep your attention on the road, especially in heavy traffic along U.S. 90 and Highway 181.
• Look twice for motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians before turning or pulling out.
• Obey speed limits and leave extra following distance.
• Move over and slow down when passing emergency vehicles at a crash scene.
• Find another route when you hear of a crash closure, and follow directions from officers at the scene.

Anyone with information about any of the crashes may contact the Daphne Police Department.