Wrong Way Intoxicated Driver Causes Eight Cyclist Injury on Fiesta Island
Gross Negligence and Suspected Intoxication of Driver Lead to Injury of Multiple Cyclists on Fiesta Island. On August 12, 2014 at around 6:30 pm a group of cyclists training at Fiesta Island in San Diego were injured after a woman drove in to a group of cyclists.
Tragically the driver, who is suspected of being influence of drugs according to officials, caused eight cyclist injury. The woman was driving the wrong way on a one-way road around a curve and speeding at an estimated 25 to 30 mph over the speed limit.
According to reports, two of the victims sustained serious injuries when the vehicle hit the group of riders in head on collision. Six cyclists were transported to hospitals. Police said one rider suffered severe injuries including broken ribs, major vertebrae fracture and internal injuries. There were additional cyclists were treated at the crash scene.
According to NBC 7 San Diego, Joel Price, a cyclist who sustained minor injuries, reported Fiesta Island is considered one of the safest places to ride in San Diego. Additionally, local biking organizations, such as Team In Training, have training rides on Fiesta Island.
This accident could have been avoided had the driver abided by the law. Based on reports it appears these cyclists were taking every safety precaution: wearing helmets, training in a group, travelling safely in the correct direction of travel and had experience riding in this location. Sadly, this unsafe driver came around the corner “out of the blue” and it does not appear there was any chance for these riders to avoid this accident.
The driver was arrested and booked in to jail on felony driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance.
To all our cyclist friends and family, stay safe on the streets of San Diego. Additionally, for further updates BikeSD has been posting continuous updates on this story.
UPDATE: 8/19/2014
A “Ride In Support of Juan Carlos Vinolo” will be held tonight, Tuesday August 19, 2014 at Fiesta Island in Mission Bay at 5:45 pm to show support for the most seriously injured victim of the bicycle accident. Riders will meet at the entrance of the San Diego Youth Aquatic Center. San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is expected to participate.
