Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
A 14-year-old bicyclist from Miller Place remains in critical condition after being struck and run over by a pickup truck on Route 25A Tuesday afternoon, according to Suffolk County Police. Andrew Salgado was riding his bicycle eastbound on the shoulder of Route 25A at approximately 3:20 p.m. when he collided with a Ford F-550 XL Super Duty truck driven by Timothy McLaughlin, 58, of Sound Beach.
McLaughlin was driving westbound on Route 25A when he merged into the turning lane to make a left turn into the entrance of L Delea & Sons Sod Farms, located at 696 Route 25A, police report. As the truck began its turning maneuver, Salgado struck his bicycle into the passenger side door of the vehicle. The impact caused the teenage cyclist to fall from his bicycle directly into the path of the large commercial truck.
In a devastating turn of events, the back passenger side tires of McLaughlin’s Ford F-550 ran over Salgado after he fell from his bicycle following the initial collision. The Ford F-550 XL Super Duty is a heavy-duty commercial vehicle significantly larger than standard pickup trucks, weighing several tons when fully loaded. The crushing force of such a vehicle’s tires passing over a person creates severe trauma that often results in life-threatening injuries.
McLaughlin immediately stopped his vehicle after the collision and called 911 to report the crash, according to Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives who are investigating the incident. Emergency responders transported Salgado to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. McLaughlin was not injured in the crash.
The commercial nature of McLaughlin’s vehicle prompted additional investigation procedures at the scene. Motor Carrier Safety Section officers conducted a thorough inspection of the Ford F-550 XL Super Duty truck as part of standard protocol when commercial vehicles are involved in serious accidents. These inspections examine mechanical components, maintenance records, and compliance with commercial vehicle safety regulations.
Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are seeking additional information from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or events leading up to it. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652.
Location & Road Context
The crash occurred on Route 25A in Miller Place, a busy east-west thoroughfare that serves as a major commercial and commuter route through the North Shore of Suffolk County. The collision happened specifically at the entrance to L Delea & Sons Sod Farms at 696 Route 25A, a commercial landscaping business that likely generates regular truck traffic for deliveries and pickups.
Route 25A through Miller Place features a mix of residential areas, commercial businesses, and agricultural operations like the sod farm where McLaughlin was attempting to turn. The roadway accommodates both local traffic and commercial vehicles, creating potential conflict points where turning movements intersect with bicycle traffic on the shoulder. The presence of agricultural and landscaping businesses along this stretch of Route 25A means heavy commercial vehicles regularly make turning movements across traffic lanes and bicycle paths.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
No charges have been filed at this time as Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives continue their investigation into the crash. The investigation will likely examine factors including sight lines, traffic signals or signage at the location, the positioning of both the bicycle and truck prior to collision, and whether all traffic laws were followed by both parties.
The involvement of Motor Carrier Safety Section officers indicates authorities are thoroughly examining the commercial vehicle’s compliance with safety regulations, maintenance records, and driver qualifications. Commercial vehicle crashes involving serious injuries trigger enhanced investigation protocols due to the increased potential for catastrophic damage when large trucks are involved in collisions with vulnerable road users like bicyclists.
Broader Impact
This crash highlights the particular dangers faced by cyclists when sharing roadways with commercial vehicles, especially during turning maneuvers where sight lines may be compromised. The entrance to L Delea & Sons Sod Farms represents a typical conflict point where commercial vehicles must cross bicycle traffic lanes to access businesses, creating scenarios where the size differential between trucks and bicycles can result in catastrophic outcomes even in relatively low-speed collisions.