November 6, 2012
Austin has seen a startling number of motor vehicle accidents recently that have involved both cyclists and drunk drivers. According to the Austin American-Statesman, a cyclist was killed Saturday around 12:20 a.m. on East Riverside Drive.
Reports show the cyclist was riding eastbound when a vehicle driven by an intoxicated motorist approached from behind and struck the bicycle, sending its rider crashing into the asphalt. The rider was rushed to a local hospital, but died a short time after arrival. Meanwhile, the driver responsible for the crash was placed under arrest.
The accident was similar to a crash that occurred just several weeks prior when an intoxicated driver struck and injured a 39-year-old female cyclist as she rode along the Interstate-10 access road. She suffered serious spinal injuries in the Texas Car Accident that resulted in a pair of surgeries and left her facing several months of rehabilitation.
In response to accidents like these, bicyclists recently gathered Sunday in the Texas hill country for a ride along Loop 1604 North access road to raise awareness for sharing the road. In Texas, motorists are required to allow a distance of three to six feet when passing a “vulnerable road user” such as a cyclist or pedestrian.
The Austin Personal Injury Lawyers with Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers are hopeful events like these will educate the public on roadway safety and help prevent similar accidents in the future.
