Vehicle and motorcycle collide near U.S. Post Office on Westminster Boulevard; injury reported

TRAFFIC SAFETY

by Emma DiMaggio

Communications Manager

A motorcyclist was transported to the hospital after colliding with a Subaru Outback on Feb. 21 at approximately 6:05 p.m., according to Seal Beach police.

The motorcyclist was traveling in the leftmost westbound lane on Westminster Boulevard. The Subaru driver, positioned in the eastbound left-turn pocket, attempted to make a northbound turn into the U.S. Post Office parking lot, according to police. The motorcycle and the vehicle collided. Both suffered significant damage.

Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded to the scene, provided medical aid to the motorcyclist and transported him to a nearby hospital for additional treatment. The extent of his injuries was not released.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation, according to Seal Beach Police Lt. Julia Clasby.

Leisure World residents are reminded that the alley running perpendicular to the U.S. Post Office, behind the Dollar Tree and Roger Dunn stores, is not a through street. Residents and visitors should not use this alleyway to enter or exit the community.

Drivers are urged to use extra caution when making left turns across oncoming traffic, particularly during dusk hours when visibility begins to decrease. Before turning, motorists should double-check for motorcycles, which can be more difficult to see and may appear farther away than they are.

Avoid rushing turns, yield to all oncoming traffic and ensure there is a clear and safe gap before proceeding. Slowing down, minimizing distractions and anticipating unexpected movements from other drivers can help reduce the risk of serious collisions.

Above: The aftermath of a Feb. 21 collision between a Subaru Outback and a motorcycle. Below: Signage indicates that the alleyway that runs behind Dollar Tree is not a through street.

Stephen Hendrickson

Stephen Hendrickson