Many of those who live in Suffolk County enjoy riding their bicycles. Some ride for exercise, others ride as a means of transportation. What all bicycle riders have in common is they want to be safe while riding. This, unfortunately, is not always the case as bike riders must often contend with distracted drivers and other unsafe practices committed by vehicle operators. Occasionally, these often reckless acts result in fatal accidents.

An accident occurred on Nov. 17 at about 9:45 p.m., killing a Stony Brook University student. The 21-year-old man from Flushing, Queens was killed when his bicycle was struck by a vehicle in Stony Brook. A Long Island man has been charged with the hit-and-run accident. Police say the suspect is awaiting arraignment on several charges, including leaving the scene of a fatal accident, possession of a controlled substance and driving while impaired. No information was released as to what substances were seized by authorities.

This senseless accident illustrates how the possibly reckless actions of one person can have profound effects on another person. In this case, it was the loss of life that has not only affected the student himself, but also the life of his family.

Persons riding their bikes in Suffolk County expect and are entitled to a reasonable level of safety when they share the roadways with vehicles. Distracted driving, texting while driving and cell phone use while driving are all known to contribute to accidents between cyclists and automobile drivers. In this particular case, alcohol or drugs may have played a significant role in the tragedy. If that is shown to be the case, the family of the deceased may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, "LI student dies; driver charged with hit-run," Nov. 18, 2011