A 20-year-old motorcyclist was killed Friday morning after a crash involving a Valley Metro paratransit bus in Phoenix.
According to police, the collision occurred just after 11:30 a.m. near 27th and Peoria Avenues. Investigators say Mike Do was riding westbound on Peoria when the paratransit bus turned left across his path. Do struck the side of the bus, was ejected from the motorcycle, and collided with a third vehicle stopped in traffic. He was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and later died. Police believe he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and details about the bus’s occupants have not yet been released.
When I hear about a crash involving a commercial or government-operated vehicle, I immediately want to know whether the driver followed proper protocols and whether the vehicle was being operated safely for the conditions. In my experience, these types of incidents often involve preventable errors.
Could Driver Error Have Led to the Left Turn?
Preliminary reports suggest the paratransit bus pulled into the motorcyclist’s path while turning left. In collisions like this, investigators typically examine whether the commercial driver had a clear view of oncoming traffic and whether they had enough time to safely complete the turn.
It’s also important to determine whether the driver was operating under pressure from a tight schedule or experienced any inattention leading up to the crash. Interviews, dash cam footage, and GPS tracking data from the bus can all help confirm how the decision to turn was made.
Could Mechanical Issues Have Contributed?
Aside from the driver’s actions, investigators should also consider whether anything about the paratransit bus itself contributed to the collision. If the bus had a mechanical problem—such as a delayed throttle, faulty brakes, or a steering issue—that limited its ability to complete the turn safely, that could be relevant. A review of the vehicle’s maintenance records and inspection history will help clarify whether it was roadworthy and in good condition at the time of the crash.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
Investigators should collect and preserve dash cam footage, GPS data, and information from the Engine Control Module (ECM) of the bus. Statements from witnesses—including passengers on the bus or nearby drivers—can also help confirm how the crash unfolded.
The scene itself should be carefully documented as well. Skid marks, final vehicle positions, and damage patterns can help reconstruct the sequence of events.
Why Even Ask These Questions?
Crashes involving commercial vehicles are often severe. In my experience, determining whether this was a momentary lapse in judgment, a mechanical issue, or something more systemic requires a complete and careful investigation. In cases like this, that’s the only way to provide answers to those affected about why the crash happened in the first place.