• October 11, 2018

Bicyclist Killed by Possible Drunk Driver on Great Trinity Forest Way in Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX -- On October 10, 2018, a bicyclist was struck and killed by a drunk driver in southeast Dallas.

Dallas police say the accident happened around 11 p.m. in the 5000 block of Great Trinity Forest Way. A 49-year-old man who has not been named by the police was eastbound on the road when his vehicle hit the victim.

The rider was knocked off his bike and sustained fatal injuries; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver remained at the scene of the wreck and cooperated with authorities.

The incident is still being investigated. Police suspect intoxication may be a factor in the collision.

Map of the Area


When I read about these crashes, I have to ask: since alcohol is a suspected factor, where might the driver have gotten it and why does that matter?

Under Texas Dram Shop Law, it's illegal for a bar or restaurant to serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated. If they keep pouring for someone who clearly can't handle any more, they could be liable if that person's intoxication results in an accident. If it can be shown that someone was hurt as a direct result of that person's drunken state--in a drunk driving crash or a bar fight, say--the injured victim can hold the negligent alcohol provider accountable in a civil court for contributing to the crash.

To be clear, I'm not saying that's necessarily the situation here. "Suspicion" of intoxication doesn't mean it's a confirmed fact. That said, police are concerned that this driver may have drunkenly knocked a bicyclist off his ride and killed him. If the investigation reveals that to be true, then anyone who helped the driver get so dangerous should be held accountable for their role.

