Woman allegedly driving under the influence kills bicyclist

Shortly before 8:30 on a recent Saturday evening, an accident that was first thought to involve a pedestrian was reported to police in Aiken County. When officers arrived at the scene, they determined that it was a bicyclist — not a pedestrian — that had been struck by a car. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is now investigating and believes the accident was caused by a driver who is alleged to have been driving under the influence.

An accident report indicates that a car struck a 60-year-old man on a bicycle from behind. Both the woman who drove the car and the bicyclist were North Augusta residents. The victim was declared dead at the scene of the crash.

Authorities say the driver of the car was arrested and charged with drunk driving. There is no indication of when and how officials determined that she was intoxicated, nor was the level of alcohol in her blood reported. Also, the report does not state whether the bicycle had the required reflectors and lighting to make it visible to drivers in the dark.

The South Carolina woman who is accused of driving under the influence has the right to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A lawyer can scrutinize the charges and any methods used to determine the level of intoxication. The evidence presented by the prosecution may be challenged, and no conviction can be obtained until — and only if — guilt is proved in court and beyond a reasonable doubt. Aiming for the best possible result, an attorney will advocate for the client throughout the legal proceedings.

Source: wrdw.com, “UPDATE Woman charged with DUI after fatal bicycle accident”, April 17, 2016