Pickup Truck Kills Cyclist in Carlsbad; Driver Flees and Hides in the Bushes

64-year-old Arthur Jacobs was an avid cyclist who rode his bike to work every night. His nightly trip and his life were both cut short on Wednesday night when a pickup truck struck him on El Camino Real near Cassia Road on Wednesday night. Jacobs was flung from his bicycle and died at the scene.

Meanwhile, the driver of the pickup truck, 23-year-old Julianne Thomson, fled to a nearby apartment complex, where she ditched her truck and hid in the bushes. She has been charged with manslaughter, felony hit-and-run and driving under the influence.

Jacobs’ bereft family is shocked and angered by the incident. According to NBC San Diego, Jacobs’ daughter, Melissa Tennant, has expressed the family’s confusion about why Thomson did not stop to help Jacobs. Tennant says, “I don’t know how to describe it, I am just very angry.” Tennant says her father preferred to ride his bicycle instead of drive.

Jacobs was also involved in the community, taking disadvantaged children on field trips. The family has set up a foundation in his name to continue his legacy of aiding the youth. Donations can be made to the Arthur Jacobs Foundation at any Chase bank, says NBC San Diego.

Bicycle awareness is of utmost importance for drivers. We cannot stress enough how imperative it is for drivers to look for cyclists, give them room and follow the rules of the road. These tragedies are becoming all too common in Southern California, and we must act together to share the road and cooperate to protect lives. Bicycle accidents are avoidable!

Bonnici Law Group, APC – San Diego accident attorneys