University Star

A vehicle struck a cyclist on Highway 123 around 6:20 a.m. Tuesday.

The cyclist, 57-year-old Sidney “Bud” Turner, and the driver of the vehicle were traveling inbound near Monterrey Oaks Drive when the driver hit Turner from behind with his two-door sedan.

The driver called 911 at the scene, and Turner was transported with critical injuries to Brackenridge Hospital via Emergency Medical Services.

Sergeant Chris Tureaud, supervisor of the San Marcos Police Department’s Collision Investigation team, said the accident was “pretty serious.”

Tureaud said there are no shoulders in the area where the incident occurred. However, the cyclist is as entitled to the road as any vehicle. Turner had a headlight on his bike, a requirement in Texas, and a red reflector on the back.

Police are still investigating the incident and hope to find out whether the driver was distracted in any fashion. The driver of the vehicle did not see Turner until after the incident, Tureaud said.

Tureaud said even though the driver dialed 911, if he did anything negligent, he could still face charges. If the driver had fled the scene, he would be facing a felony.

Citizens need to pay attention while driving, riding or walking, and cyclists should wear a helmet and make sure other vehicles see them, Tureaud said.

“When you’re driving, you’re driving a weapon,” Tureaud said. “Things happen in a blink of an eye. You’ve got to be paying attention.”