Webster DWI Crash Claims Young Motorcyclist’s Life on Route 104
Tragic Collision Highlights Deadly Consequences of Impaired Driving
A routine Saturday evening turned deadly on State Route 104 when a Webster man’s decision to drive while intoxicated cost a young motorcyclist his life. The September 12, 2025 crash serves as another stark reminder of how quickly impaired driving can destroy families and communities across New York.
Robert C. Meyers, 41, of Webster, now faces serious felony charges after his pickup truck slammed into the back of a motorcycle that was slowing to turn into a residential area. The 25-year-old victim, whose identity has not been released pending family notification, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Deadly Collision: What Happened on Route 104
At approximately 7:40 p.m. on that Saturday evening, the peaceful town of Sodus became the scene of a preventable tragedy. According to New York State Police investigators, Meyers was operating a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck westbound on State Route 104 when the crash occurred.
The preliminary investigation reveals a scenario that plays out far too often on American roads: a motorcyclist attempting to safely navigate traffic while an impaired driver approaches from behind. The victim had slowed his motorcycle to make a left turn into a residential community when Meyers’ truck struck the rear of the bike.
Impact and Immediate Aftermath
The force of the collision ejected the motorcyclist from his bike. Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel, the 25-year-old could not be saved and was pronounced deceased at the crash scene.
The location of the crash – State Route 104 in Sodus – is a busy thoroughfare that serves both local residents and through traffic. The residential turn the victim was attempting to make represents the kind of everyday maneuver that should never cost someone their life.
Legal Consequences: Serious Charges for Impaired Driver
Following the crash, New York State Police conducted a thorough DWI investigation that determined Meyers was impaired at the time of the collision. The charges he now faces reflect the severity of his alleged actions:
Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class D Felony)
This is the most serious charge Meyers faces. Under New York law, vehicular manslaughter occurs when someone causes the death of another person while operating a motor vehicle in violation of traffic laws, including DWI.
Driving While Intoxicated Charges
Meyers faces two separate DWI charges:
- Driving While Intoxicated (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
- Driving While Intoxicated with BAC of .08% or Greater (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
These dual charges are common in New York DWI cases and allow prosecutors to pursue conviction under different legal theories.
The Broader Impact of Impaired Driving
This tragic crash on Route 104 represents more than just statistics – it’s a family destroyed, a community shaken, and another preventable loss of life. The 25-year-old victim had his entire future ahead of him, dreams and aspirations that will never be realized because of one person’s decision to drive while impaired.
Motorcycle Vulnerability on the Road
Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road, particularly from impaired drivers. Unlike car occupants, motorcyclists have no protective barrier between them and other vehicles. When a drunk driver rear-ends a motorcycle, the results are often catastrophic.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consistently reports that motorcyclists are significantly more likely to die in crashes involving impaired drivers compared to occupants of passenger vehicles.
Prevention: How Communities Can Fight Impaired Driving
While we cannot bring back the young life lost on Route 104, we can work to prevent similar tragedies. Effective impaired driving prevention requires a multi-faceted approach:
Individual Responsibility
- Plan safe transportation before drinking
- Use rideshare services, designated drivers, or public transportation
- Intervene when friends or family members attempt to drive impaired
Community Action
- Support increased DWI enforcement
- Advocate for stricter penalties for repeat offenders
- Promote awareness campaigns about impaired driving consequences
Technology Solutions
Modern vehicles increasingly offer features that can help prevent impaired driving crashes:
- Automatic emergency braking systems
- Collision avoidance technology
- Driver monitoring systems
Legal Process and Justice Ahead
The investigation into this fatal crash remains ongoing, according to New York State Police. As the legal process unfolds, the victim’s family will seek justice while Meyers faces the consequences of his alleged actions.
Vehicular manslaughter charges carry serious penalties in New York, including potential prison time and significant fines. However, no legal punishment can truly compensate for the life lost or the pain inflicted on the victim’s loved ones.
A Call for Change and Remembrance
As we reflect on this tragic loss of life on Route 104, we must ask ourselves difficult questions about our collective responsibility to prevent impaired driving. Every time someone gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, they make a choice that could end lives and devastate families.
The 25-year-old motorcyclist who died that September evening deserves to be remembered not just as a statistic, but as a person whose life had value and meaning. His death should serve as a catalyst for renewed commitment to fighting impaired driving in our communities.
We encourage readers to share this story to raise awareness about the deadly consequences of drunk driving. If you have information about this crash or witnessed the events on Route 104 that evening, contact New York State Police to assist with their ongoing investigation.
Together, we can work to ensure that no other family has to experience the devastating loss that occurred on State Route 104. The fight against impaired driving requires all of us – and it starts with the choices we make every single day.
