More sad news to report: 17-year-old Brandon Simmons was tragically killed Saturday night when he was hit by a drunk driver in Venus. As if this weren’t bad enought, the driver then fled the scene.
My deepest sympathies go out to the Simmons family as well as any other family which has lost a loved one due to the actions of a drunk driver. Drunk driving is a huge problem; drunk drivers kill more than 1,500 people each year just here in Texas.
Fortunately, police apprehended the driver and charged him with intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid. The driver has a prior DWI conviction.
I ride a bicycle to stay in shape and I find it horrendous that innocent people are so senselessly killed by drivers, especially drunk drivers.
National Bike Month is a Reminder to Texas Bicyclists to Practice Safe Riding I would like to remind bicyclists to exercise these safety precautions when on the road:
• Wear a helmet (this can reduce traumatic brain injury risk by up to 88%)
• Obey traffic laws • Pay attention to the motorists and pedestrians around you • Use a bicycle headlight if you are riding at night • Wear clothing that makes it easy for motorists see you • When cycling next to parked vehicles watch out for drivers opening their doors to exit • Ride in the same direction that traffic is headed • Stay out of driver’s blind spots so that they can see you • Make sure you have a bicycle mirror • Watch out for vehicles at cross streets, parking places, and driveways • Don’t swerve when looking behind you to check traffic • Make sure your bicycle is properly maintained
Unfortunately, bicyclists are at high risk of serious injury whenever they are hit by a car, truck, motorcycle, or bus. The medical costs for treating spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, disfigurement, and other catastrophic injuries can be unaffordable unless you receive the bicycle accident compensation that you are owed.