With spring here and summer right around the corner, it is not uncommon this time of year to see more pedestrian and bicyclists on the roads enjoying the spring weather. As more people venture out to enjoy the season, it becomes crucial for motorists to be more observant and vigilant when behind the wheel, and to look out for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
Regardless of a person’s chosen mode of transportation, everyone has an ongoing duty to be observant, attentive and aware of their surrounding when sharing the roads. Failure to do so could result in a collision between two vehicles, leading to injuries and even death. Illinois residents may have heard that recently a 68-year-old bicyclist lost his life when his bicycle collided with a SUV.
The tragic accident is still under investigation, but preliminary investigation reports indicated that the fatal accident occurred at an intersection around 4:00 p.m. when a SUV driven by a 64-year-old man that had initially stopped at a stop sign entered the intersection and was hit on the passenger side of car by bicyclist. The SUV was travelling south and had a stop sign. However, the east-west traffic did not have a stop sign.
As a result of the collision the 68-year-old bicyclist was throw off his bike and was declared dead at the scene of the accident. Although law enforcement ruled out intoxication as a cause of the fatal accident, the driver of the SUV was issued a citation for failing to yield the right of way. At an intersection which does not have an all-way stop sign, traffic travelling on the road without the stop sign has the right of way.
If negligence plays a role in an accident that resulted in injuries or death, the negligent driver may be held liable for damages.
Source: The Courier-News, “Bicycle rider killed in collision near Hampshire,” May 19, 2015
