Ford Explorer turns left from private road and strikes eastbound dirt bike
January 01, 2026 | Dorchester, SC
A 34-year-old man from Saint George lost his life in a collision involving a dirt bike and an SUV in Dorchester County on Jan. 1.
Matthew Dacus, 34, of Saint George, was killed in a crash involving his Honda dirt bike and a Ford Explorer on Highway 78 near Motel Drive.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred when Matthew Dacus was riding his Honda dirt bike eastbound on Highway 78 near Motel Drive around 5:18 p.m. A 2016 Ford Explorer attempted to turn left from a private road, leading to a collision that proved fatal for Dacus. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the circumstances.
- Victim: Matthew Dacus, 34, from Saint George
- Date and Time: Jan. 1, approximately 5:18 p.m.
- Location: Highway 78 near Motel Drive, Dorchester County
- Vehicles Involved: Honda dirt bike and 2016 Ford Explorer
- Outcome: Dacus pronounced dead at the scene
- Investigating Agency: South Carolina Highway Patrol
Why Do These Accidents Happen at Intersections?
Intersections account for about 40 percent of all vehicle collisions, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration. Factors such as failure to yield, distracted driving, and poor visibility from private roads can contribute to such tragedies.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. |
Approximately 36,000 |
CDC |
Annual motor vehicle injuries in the U.S. |
About 1.9 million |
CDC |
Percentage of crashes at intersections |
40% |
Federal Highway Administration |
Common cause: Failure to yield |
Leading factor in intersection crashes |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Legal Insights on Motor Vehicle Crashes
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, independent investigations play a crucial role beyond official investigations.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family who has lost a loved one during this difficult time, as well as protect their legal rights and best interests.”
- Thorough review of evidence, including witness statements and video footage, strengthens case outcomes.
- Access to phone records can reveal distractions contributing to the crash.
- Legal support ensures families receive guidance amid grief and secures compensation for losses.
Pending investigation results, the family of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim to address damages like loss of companionship, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).