What:
- Injury Crash
Where:
- 45th Street exit, Fargo, ND
When:
- July 1st, 2024, 10:48 AM Central Time
Road Conditions:
- Good
Weather Conditions:
- Cloudy
Crash Involvement:
- Motorcycle vs. Van
Type of Crash:
- Rear-end Collision
Agencies Involved:
- North Dakota Highway Patrol
- Fargo Police
- Fargo Fire
- Sanford Ambulance
Vehicle No. 1:
- 2006 Suzuki Motorcycle
- Driver No. 1: 17-year-old juvenile male, Fargo, ND (Minor injuries)
- Restraints: Helmet
- Charges: None
Vehicle No. 2:
- 2019 Dodge Ram Van
- Driver No. 2: Julie Pierzina, 64-year-old female, Hill City, MN (No injuries)
- Restraints: Seatbelt
- Charges: None
Narrative:
On July 1st, 2024, at approximately 10:48 AM, a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle driven by a 17-year-old male from Fargo rear-ended a 2019 Dodge Ram van near the 45th Street exit on westbound Interstate 94. The van, driven by Julie Pierzina, was in the left lane when the motorcycle, traveling at high speed, approached rapidly. Pierzina attempted to change lanes to the right to allow the motorcycle to pass, but the motorcycle also changed lanes abruptly, leading to a rear-end collision.
The impact threw the motorcyclist into the north ditch of I-94, while the motorcycle came to rest in the median. The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, sustained minor injuries and was transported by Sanford Ambulance. Pierzina was uninjured.
Traffic on I-94 westbound was affected for about an hour as emergency crews investigated and processed the scene. The North Dakota Highway Patrol reminds motorists to obey traffic laws and drive defensively, especially during the busy 4th of July holiday week. The name of the juvenile and any potential charges will not be released.