Driver Who Killed Cyclist in Hit and Run Charged

June 25, 2009

San Diego - Statistics on pedestrians and cyclists killed in motor vehicle accidents are rising. According to the NHTSA 2007 Traffic Safety Report, in 2007, 70,000 pedestrians were injured and 4,654 were killed in traffic crashes in the United States.

According to the NHTSA 2007 Traffic Safety Report, in 2007, 70,000 pedestrians were injured and 4,654 were killed in traffic crashes in the United States.

In 2007, 698 pedalcyclists were killed and an additional 44,000 were injured in traffic crashes. one-in-six of all traffic fatalities is a pedestrian. 13 percent were of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians and pedalcyclists.

Most recently in San Diego, Jim Gayney, a retired computer engineer and Navy man was killed in a hit and run accident. He was on a cross-country ride to protest government bailouts which he dubbed “Mad As Hell Bike Ride Across U.S.”

Leon K. Marcum from Illinois was charged with aggravated leaving the scene of an accident involving death. The case is being reviewed by prosecutors as well as investigating whether a felony of driving under the influence may be charged.

Marcum has been previously cited by the police for misdemeanor DUI and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. He is being held in jail on a $100,000 bail.

49 percent of traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities had alcohol involved. Gayney’s death is just a stark reminder of how vulnerable people on the road are, especially those who are as unprotected as pedestrians and cyclists.

Drivers should remember that driving is a responsibility and not a privilege. Driving under the influence is a deadly choice, not just for the driver but also to other people who may lose their lives because of drunk driving.

Marcum will have to face the consequences of his action and his crime is further aggravated by the fact that he fled the scene of the accident instead of helping Gayney. For taking a life, Marcum, who is only 27 may have to pay for Gayney’s death by spending a large portion of his life in jail.