A 15-year-old bicyclist was killed early Sunday morning in a hit-and-run crash on FM 1846 near County Road 578. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the driver of a northbound vehicle struck the bicyclist from behind around 3:03 a.m. but fled the scene without rendering aid. DPS believes the suspected vehicle may be a Ford with chrome trimming and front-right damage.
Whenever I hear about a crash like this, I think about the importance of a thorough investigation. Hit-and-run cases leave many unanswered questions, and identifying the driver is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s also critical to determine why the crash happened.
What Factors Should Be Investigated?
Since the driver left the scene, investigators will need to examine multiple factors to find the vehicle involved. Once they do, they’ll need to figure out whether the driver was distracted, fatigued, or speeding at the time of the crash. Given that this occurred in the early morning hours, all of these could be potential factors.
Examining the Vehicle and Crash Evidence
Investigators should closely analyze debris left at the scene to confirm the make and model of the suspected vehicle. Damage to the front-right side suggests that the driver either failed to see the bicyclist in time. If the driver is located, examining their vehicle’s data and repair records could provide insight into their actions before and after the crash.
Why It’s Important to Have a Thorough Investigation
Hit-and-run crashes often leave those affected with a lot of questions. Finding out what happened in this case can help ensure accountability once the driver is found. In my experience, these investigations often reveal factors that aren’t immediately obvious but are crucial in understanding the full scope of the crash.