TAYLOR (WWJ) — A Downriver teen has died after a moped crash on Thursday afternoon.
The crash happened around 4 p.m. on Oct. 24 in the area of Ecorse and Telegraph Roads, according to Taylor Police Chief John Blair.
The 16-year-old boy was driving the moped west on Ecorse when he collided with a car that was making a left turn onto the southbound Telegraph entrance ramp.
Blair said the teen “put the bike down” in an attempt to avoid the collision. The driver of the car immediately stopped, rendered aid, called 911 and is cooperating with the investigation.
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, Blair said some witnesses have said the traffic light had turned red and the teen went through as cars were beginning to turn onto Telegraph.
The chief noted investigators are looking for other drivers who may have witnessed the crash to learn more details.
Blair said the teen was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. He said it’s important for teen drivers to be careful on the road — especially when it comes to mopeds or motorcycles.
“You gotta be careful. People don’t see you; it’s a much smaller object. A main thing for me, even as a parent — if you’re gonna be riding a motorcycle, moped, please put on a helmet. You’re giving yourself a second chance with that helmet,” Blair said.
Blair said he has been told the teen was an Allen Park High School student. A vigil is being planned for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. near the scene of the crash.