Chicago-Area Bicyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash

A local bicyclist was struck and killed by a silver sedan in a hit-and-run accident earlier this month. Jeffrey Schultz, 40, lived just around the corner from the scene of the accident in Forest Park and was riding home at around 11 p.m. Neighbors say that Schultz, who worked as an architect for OfficeMax and as a disc jockey, didn’t own a car and rode his bike every day.

Schultz always wore light-colored clothing for safety when he was riding, including on the night he was killed, and eyewitnesses say the streetlights provided enough visibility to see him clearly. However, the car, which was speeding at the time, was going at least 45 miles per hour when it struck him from behind. The driver failed to stop at the scene.

Bike accidents continue to be a serious problem in major cities nationwide. According to several studies, these crashes occur because the motor vehicle drivers don’t see bike riders. This means that bicyclists, in addition to choosing more environmentally responsible methods of transportation, must be more responsible about their own safety to help prevent these accidents. Tips include the following:

1. Avoid unsafe conditions. Do not ride at night in areas without proper lighting, and use un-crowded sidewalks to stay off the road in dark areas.
2. Follow traffic rules. Despite the convenience of having such a small vehicle, it’s still unsafe to ride against the traffic, use the wrong lane, weave through traffic, or run stop signs or red lights.
3. Make your presence known. Although you cannot control the actions of reckless drivers, you can use bike lights and hand signals to let motorists know you’re there.

To learn more about your options for seeking compensation after one of these crashes, meet with a compassionate Chicago bicycle accident attorney.

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