Duval County

Troopers: Motorcyclist killed in crash on Philips Highway

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A deadly crash involving a motorcycle closed Southbound lanes on Philips Highway near Southside Boulevard just after 7:00 a.m. this morning.

In the newly obtained crash report, Florida Highway Patrol says the motorcyclist collided into the white SUV while the driver was stopped to turn into a business.

Troopers with Florida Highway Patrol tell us the 31-year-old motorcyclist from New Smyrna Beach died at the scene. The 64-year-old driver of the SUV was not hurt in the crash.

“Very sad you don’t want that to happen, but accidents like that on Philips Highway are very very common,” Jacob Sarvis said.

Sarvis was getting his car repaired when he saw the aftermath of the crash.

A charred motorcycle laying in the roadway along a white truck smashed up from the front.

Schools like Jacksonville Motorcycle Safety Training are trying to prevent tragedies like this from happening.

It teachers students of all levels the fundamentals or riding a motorcycle and how to do it safely.

“Make sure that when you’re driving down the road that you wear bright color clothes. A good helmet that reflects okay and be courteous. Drive courteous when you’re going down the road and stay at a good distance from the other cars around you,” Michael Dobbs the owner/president of Jacksonville Motorcycle Safety Training said.

According to Florida Department of Highway Safety in 2021 so far more than 1,900 motorcycle crashes in Florida. More than 130 have been deadly including at least 8 in Duval County.

Sarvis said it’s important reminder that everyone needs to share the road.

“I’m sorry it’s terrible. If you’re a bike you got to be safe and if you’re driving you have to look out for bikers,” Sarvis said.