Driver Charged in Death of Bicyclist in South Kitsap
1/31/2008
Delores Magneson, 59, has been charged with the death of bicyclist Craig Hatt, 41. Magnesson allegedly hit Hatt last September on Mile Hill Drive in South Kitsap. After the accident Magneson claimed that her windshield had fogged up, as a result of just behind washed and glare from the sun, obscuring her vision.
However, upon investigation police discovered that Magneson's driver's license had been canceled because she didn't provide the Department of Licensing a certificate verifying her vision. Deputies confirmed that Magneson suffers from Diabetic Retinopathy, a condition that causes eyesight to degrade over time, and that she has been involved in five collisions since 1999. Deputies noted in a statement that "the overall theme to those collisions were that she did not see the other vehicle." Mr. Hatt's family should certainly consider a civil claim against Ms. Magneson if they haven't already. First, the collision may have occurred because of negligent driving. Second, the information in the article suggests that she knew or should have known that she shouldn't have been driving. Third, she was driving without a license. Bicyclists are vulnerable enough on the roads without having to fear being run down by drivers who shouldn't be on the road in the first place.
