Teen Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash Involving Motorcyclist

According to The Orlando Sentinel, an 18-year-old woman faces charges after causing a fatal crash involving a motorcycle that left a man dead in Orange County, Florida, on Tuesday night.

Driver Possibly under Influence

Paul Issac Soto was riding his motorcycle southbound on Econlockhatchee Trail near Millinockett Lane at around 6:15 p.m. local time. A driver driving the opposite direction attempted to turn onto Millinockett Lane, pulling directly into Soto’s path.

Soto crashed into the passenger side of the car driven by 18-year-old Xianna Rodriguez. Soto was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. According to The Orlando Sentinel, Rodriguez immediately took off from the scene following the fatal collision.

Officials were able to track down Rodriguez’s vehicle and place her under arrest for leaving the scene of a fatal crash. The Orlando Sentinel reports that she also faces a charge for driving without a valid driver’s license and could potential see impairment charges, pending the results of a blood test.

Indicators that Rodriguez was under the influence of an impairing substance may have been found by officials, reports The Orlando Sentinel, but the investigation is ongoing.

Motorcycle Crash Statistics

The following information is provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

• 4,295 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2014.
• Helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries.
  • Only 19 states and the District of Columbia mandate helmet use by all riders.
• Per mile traveled in 2014, the number of deaths on motorcycles was over 27 times the number in cars.