A driver who hit a cyclist on July 10, 2024, at the Thomas à Kempisplantsoen in Utrecht is facing a demand for 240 hours of community service, one month of conditional imprisonment, and a one-year driving ban from the Public Prosecution Service. The prosecutor accuses the defendant not only of causing a fatal traffic accident but also of fleeing the scene without caring for the victim.
At the intersection of Thomas à Kempisweg and Thomas à Kempisplantsoen, a car collided with a man on a fatbike on the morning of July 10, 2024. The cyclist was crossing the road at a bike crossing and was hit by the car coming from the right. The cyclist later died in the hospital from his injuries. The driver initially fled the scene but returned about an hour later.
Double speed
Police investigations show that the defendant was driving far too fast at the time of the accident. His average speed was between 91 and 107 kilometers per hour, while the maximum speed was 50 kilometers per hour, and there were ongoing roadworks. The traffic light was already on orange, and the defendant could have stopped. This is evident from camera footage from the nearby gas station and data from the traffic light detection loops. Although it cannot be established that the defendant was holding his phone at the time of the accident, investigations show that the phone was used shortly before the accident.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant was significantly careless and inattentive. Although the cyclist also ran a red light, this does not diminish the defendants responsibility. “As a driver, you must always be prepared for unexpected situations and take into account vulnerable road users like cyclists,” said the prosecutor. This is especially true when approaching a busy intersection. Moreover, the defendant left the victim behind, even though the man clearly needed help. “Fortunately, there were enough bystanders, but you can imagine how terrible it would have been if no one had been around.”
Community service and driving ban
The Public Prosecution Service believes that the defendant should receive a community service sentence of 240 hours, one month of conditional imprisonment with a probation period of two years, and a one-year driving ban. In determining the sentence demand, the prosecutor considered similar cases and any previous convictions of the defendant for other traffic offenses.
The court will deliver its verdict on July 22.
