Drivers are expected to always be aware of their surroundings and to operate their vehicle in a manner that does not put others on the road at risk of serious or catastrophic injuries. This is true whether you are driving down a lonely gravel road or on a busy Huntsville highway. But some areas call for particular diligence.

Cautious driving and awareness of surroundings is of particular importance in school zones. Students getting on and off of busses and darting out from between cars are creates an environment where an inattentive driving can lead to tragedy. Yesterday a student Columbia high school was killed while riding his bike near the entrance to the school. Law enforcement officials have not yet released any information as to the likely cause of this particular fatal accident.

Motorists have certain expectations of other drivers. They can, at the least, expect that the driver has passed a drivers examination test and fulfilled whatever requirements are necessary to obtain and keep their driver's license. While bicyclists are also required to follow the rules of the road, a teenaged bicyclist does not likely have the skill and awareness of an adult driver.

In addition to lacking the skill and experience of an adult driver, a teenaged bicyclist is also in a much more vulnerable position in a crash than the occupant of a motor vehicle. Even if the bicyclist is wearing a helmet, this offers exponentially less protection than the passenger cabin of a vehicle in the event of a collision. For all these reasons it is important that driver use all due care when driving in areas that are frequented by young bicyclists.

Source: WAAY Channel 31 News, "Teenage Bicyclist Killed in Accident," Jan. 26, 2012