On May 19, 2010, while participating in "A Ride of Silence," a group bicycle ride to honor those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways, 6 cyclists were mowed down by an SUV traveling in the opposite direction. The 21 year old driver of the SUV, Daniel Burton Wilson, II, fled the scene.
Wilson, who reluctantly turned himself in, has been charged with 6 counts of felony hit-and-run. Wilson has refused to answer any questions relating to this incident, leading one to speculate whether drugs or alcohol were involved, or even whether this was an intentional act.
Four of the six cyclists that were hit were rushed to area hospitals.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, a bike rider is allowed to ride anywhere in the traffic lane, and not just to the right hand edge of the roadway, provided the rider is able to maintain the same seed as other vehicles on the road. Otherwise, riders are advised to stay to the right-hand side of the lane. Here, the cyclists reportedly were within their lane when Mr. Wilson crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic, striking the cyclists head-on.
Our Charlotte bike accident attorneys can answer your questions related to cycle accidents with cars.
