Suspected DUI driver causes 1 death, 4 injuries on local road
Car and truck accidents can always be dangerous and rural Illinois roads are susceptible to a variety of traffic from tractors to farm trucks to cars and more--including bicycles as many local Amish residents use bicycles as a means of transportation. It is important for all motorists to be aware of other vehicles, tractors, bikes and pedestrians on the roads at all times.
A recent incident near Charleston, roughly 50 miles from Champaign, left one teenager dead and four other men injured after they were hit by a car while riding their bicycles. The driver of the car fled the scene and was later arrested. He is being charged with leaving an accident scene as well as driving under the influence.
The car accident happened shortly after 9:00 pm when the five cyclists were riding home after attending an Amish farm trade show focused on technology powered by horses for farms. The teenager was riding at the back of the single file line on a two-lane road. All five bicyclists were taken to a local hospital. The teenager died at the hospital.
Safety on rural Illinois roads is of concern to all who share the road. If you have been injured or know somebody who has been injured in an auto accident, it can be wise to talk with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn the laws and options to protect or compensate yourself. Calling authorities and reporting all accidents at the time of occurrence is also of primary importance.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "Illinois bicyclist dead, 4 injured after hit-and-run" July 8, 2013