Local News
Driver Caution Signage, Randall Road, Macon
A 13-year-old boy was struck and injured by a hit-and-run driver on Randall Road in Macon Thursday evening, July 3, 2014.
According to the Examiner, the accident occurred just before 8:00pm on the 1700 block of Randall Road. A young teenager was traveling westbound on his bicycle when he was hit by a blue, convertible Chevrolet Caprice. The child was taken to an area hospital where he was later listed in stable condition.
The driver fled scene and was later captured by authorities at a car wash. The suspect has been charged with hit and run, tampering with evidence and driving without a license.
Our Legal Take
The Murray Law Firm is questioning why the driver failed to stop or swerve for the child and whether speed, distraction or impairment were factors in this crash and the driver’s failure to stop and assist an injured child:
The speed limit on the 1700 block of Randall Road is 25mph and drops to 15mph at one stretch. Signage clearly warns drivers to travel slowly as children are playing in the residential neighborhood. How fast was the driver traveling when he struck the young bicyclist? Was the driver engaged in distractive devices, such as a cellphone, at the time of the accident?
Following the accident, why did the driver fail to stop and assist the injured child? Were blood tests performed on the suspect and, if so, did they indicate whether alcohol, drugs or medications may have contributed to the crash?
As the driver is facing criminal charges in this accident, the young victim and his family may elect to hold the driver civilly liable for his injuries. Such a claim will not only assist in the child’s long-term medical recovery, but also remind local drivers of the need to stay alert and watch for children, particularly in residential neighborhoods. Further, such claims, will encourage local law enforcement and city planners to enforce speed limits in this neighborhood and re-evaluate pedestrian and cyclist safety measures. Perhaps through the addition of improved sidewalks, bicycle lanes, speed bumps, and safety patrols, many young lives may be spared.
The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly to protect young victims of negligent drivers and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 478.246.1010.