Cyclists have as much of a right to be on the roads as anyone else. They are on a vehicle, just like you’re behind the wheel of a car. Despite this, drivers sometimes treat cyclists like they’re in the way or should not be on the roads. That simply isn’t true.
When drivers aren’t aware of cyclists or don’t pay attention to their surroundings, there’s a potential for serious injuries or deaths. That’s what happened in this case involving a young cyclist who suffered critical injuries following a collision.
The news report states that a driver in Superior has been charged in relation to an accident that took place in October. A report indicated that the driver struck a cyclist, causing the 31-year-old cyclist to suffer traumatic injuries. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The 66-year-old woman was driving a Dodge Ram when she struck him on McCaslin Boulevard. She had been traveling south when she attempted to make a turn to head east. The cyclist was traveling downhill headed north and collided with the vehicle.
Fortunately, the cyclist did survive his injuries. If he had not, the driver may have faced charges for his death. The woman now faces a charge for careless driving that resulted in an injury.
Cyclists have a right to be on the roads. Failing to allow them to pass or crashing into them is simply a sign of negligence. Drivers need to be aware, and cyclists should pursue a claim if they’re involved in a collision with someone who wasn’t paying attention.
Source: Daily Camera, “Driver charged in October crash with cyclist in Superior,” Amelia Arvesen, Dec. 05, 2017