Justin Fernandez Killed in Motorcycle Accident on US-412 in Springdale, AR
Springdale, AR — June 2, 2022, 38-year-old Justin Fernandez was killed in a crash with a tour bus on U.S. Highway 412 in Springdale.
According to reports the incident happened around 5:35 a.m. on US-412 at West Sunset Avenue. Preliminary investigation suggests an MCI tour bus was turning left from a hotel parking lot toward the westbound highway. The bus stopped mid-turn for traffic, blocking the eastbound lanes.
As the bus idled in the road Fernandez approached on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Reports say he tried to brake to avoid the crash but was ejected. He and the bike both crashed into the side of the bus.
Fernandez suffered fatal injuries in the collision. No other injuries were reported.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Justin Fernandez Accident on US-412 in Springdale
Reports sound like the bus driver made an unsafe turn at a time when they couldn't complete it, effectively making a barricade across the road. That's hardly the behavior of a careful professional at the wheel of many tons of machine, but as with any crash it's only right and fair to consider all the wreck's possible variables before drawing any conclusions.
Right now there are still a lot of lingering questions about what happened: Did the bus driver notice stopped traffic in the westbound lane? Did they turn anyway? If so, why? Did they only realize traffic wasn't moving once they were partway out? Did the driver see the motorcycle coming and fail to yield? How fast was the motorcycle traveling? Was the rider paying attention to the road ahead?
That's just a handful of the many questions that still need addressing, and none of them are meant to complicate things or make accusations. I'm really just trying to say what I always do: When people are hurt or killed in accidents like this it's important to put in the work and find the clear facts explaining how and why that occurred.
Folks get tempted to jump to conclusions based on little information, but proper investigation will dig deeper to find the truth. The victim's loved ones deserve as many answers as can be provided. If there are any other steps to take, knowing that will largely depend on what those answers turn out to be.
