Bicyclists ages 45 years old and older and ages 15 to 24 years old have the highest bicycle accident death rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Tragically, a 17-year-old Miami boy was declared brain dead recently after being the victim of a hit-and-run crash while riding his bicycle. According to WPLG-TV, following the incident, police were able to find and arrest the 48-year-old hit-and-run driver.
Police reported that the 48-year-old driver abandoned his vehicle, a 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, after fleeing the scene of the wreck. Authorities also discovered that the man’s wife and son had reported the SUV stolen to try to help him escape blame for hitting the 17-year-old bicyclist.
Prior to the crash, the 17-year-old was riding on the sidewalk near the intersection of 28th Court and Northwest 103rd Street. While traveling near that same intersection, the SUV veered onto the sidewalk and hit the teen. After the collision, the 48-year-old did not stop his vehicle or attempt to render aid.
In court, the hit-and-run driver admitted that leading up the wreck, he had gone to a bar and had been having blackouts. The teen was still hooked up to life support as of this report, because his organs are being donated.
Why Do Drivers Hit and Run?
According to a The Enterprise article, drivers usually flee the scene of an auto accident, because of the following reasons:
- Fear of consequences
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Panic
- Having arrest warrants
- Lack of character
- Not having insurance
- Having a bad driving record
Did You Know?: In the US, most fatal bike accidents happen in urban areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Colson Hicks Eidson – Injury Attorneys
Source: http://www.local10.com/news/suv-involved-in-hitandrun-abandoned-in-miamidade-county/29036208