A Southlake teen who was injured in a tragic auto accident last Monday has died. Doctors declared James Cole Malone brain dead on Tuesday afternoon and his organs were donated to transplant patients throughout the country. This final gift represents the generosity Cole displayed throughout his short life.
Cole was biking home from a Boy Scout’s meeting Monday around 8 p.m. when a car struck him as he crossed Lilac Lane on Byron Nelson Parkway, just one mile from home. He was airlifted to Texas Health Harris Methodist in Fort Worth with severe brain injuries.
The driver stopped to render aid and cooperate with police. She has not been charged in the accident as the police investigation is continuing.
Ideal Boy Scout and Leader
Cole was a sophomore at Southlake Carroll Senior High School and a member of the Carroll Clay Shooting Club. The 16-year old teen had been a Boy Scout for 10 years and was one step away from becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest level in the organization. Cole’s friend gave him his Eagle Scout neckerchief, explaining, “With the amount of people he impacted he earned Eagle.”
His troop leader described Cole as a leader “that many of the younger scouts look up to” and who will be “remembered for being the ideal Boy Scout.”
Share the Road
Police have not determine what happened or who is to blame for Monday’s fatal collision. However, as the community mourns the loss of a promising young man, we hope to prevent another tragedy from occurring by reminding motorists and cyclists about important safety precautions.
Motorists have an obligation to share the road with cyclists. This means yielding to cyclists, giving them a wide berth, and using caution while passing. Always double check blind spots and remain alert to see cyclists ahead on the road or crossing an intersection. Also, never tailgate or pass too close to a cyclist.
Cycling Safety
Bicyclists have the same rights and obligations as motorists. To stay safe on Texas roads:
- Follow the same traffic laws as motorists, including stopping at stop signs and red traffic signals, indicating turns, and crossing at appropriate locations
- Ride with traffic and on the right side of the lane unless making a left-hand turn
- Ride predictably so motorists can anticipate your moves
- Use lights and wear bright clothing and reflectors to remain visible at night
- Never ride with earphones that block horns, engines and other sounds that can warn you of danger
- Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, such as cellphones or sightseeing
- Wear a helmet
Texas law does not require helmet use while riding bikes, but the Texas Medical Association recommends helmets for all cyclists. In fact, the TMA has given more than 200,000 free helmets to kids in the past 20 years through its Hard Hats for Little Heads program.
Berenson Law Helps Victims Recover for Bike / Car Collisions
Berenson Law Firm is dedicated to auto accident recovery. During the more than 35 years, we have helped numerous bicyclists who were injured in vehicular crashes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Call our personal injury law firm at 817-885-8000 to schedule your free case evaluation.