Sunday, July 14th, just before 9 am, a 60-year-old bicyclist suffered life-threatening injuries after being hit by an SUV that fled the scene.
San Diego Police Officer Sarah Foster said the accident took place on Rancho Peñasquitos Boulevard, between I-15 and state Route 56. The bicyclist was riding a mountain bike, heading east toward I-15 when an SUV also heading east, veered to the right and hit the victim from behind.
The victim suffered a significant brain bleed and fractured a vertebra in her lower neck due to the impact. Foster said that medics took the victim to a hospital and she was rushed into surgery.
Police said the SUV driver fled the scene after the collision. They described the vehicle as a mid size SUV, either silver or charcoal gray. While there is no description of the driver, witnesses reported they were driving erratically prior to the collision.
The San Diego Police Department is asking that anyone with information about the crash call the traffic division, or tips can be left with Crime Stoppers anonymously.
The Dangers of Bicycle Vs Vehicle Collisions
Collisions that occur between bicycles and vehicles can lead to serious, if not deadly, consequences. Bicyclists are at a severe disadvantage when involved in a collision with a vehicle, even the smallest car weighs over 1,000 pounds more than a bicycle. Additionally, bicyclists are extremely vulnerable to the elements, they do not have the extra protection that a steel frame and enclosed walls provide for drivers and passengers of vehicles.
When involved in a collision with a car, the force is likely to cause cyclists to be thrown from their bikes, which makes them susceptible to injuries like broken bones, road rash, brain injuries, neck and spine injuries, soft tissue injuries, and more
Safety Tips Bicyclists and Drivers Can Take To Avoid Collisions
To avoid bicycle vs vehicle collisions, both cyclists and drivers alike can take steps to help prevent accidents. These steps include:
- Being Aware: paying attention to your surroundings, being aware if there is a vehicle or bicycle around you and not making any sudden moves that may cause a collision.
- Signaling Intentions: both bicyclists and drivers can signal their intentions, either through blinkers or hand signals, so that upcoming movements are expected and predictable.
- Avoid Distractions: drivers and cyclists alike should avoid distractions while on the road, this includes things like using cell phones, adjusting music, eating, and more.
- Follow Traffic Laws: this includes stopping at red lights, stop signs, and yielding to the right of way.
“Accidents like the one that occurred on Sunday morning are devastating, we send our sincerest condolences to the victim and their family,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney at Singleton Schreiber, “Hit and run accidents can be catastrophic, but the victim may have legal recourse and could consider speaking with a personal injury attorney.”
If you or a loved one have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling (619) 771-3473 or emailing info@singletonschreiber.com for more information.
