At 8:20 this morning, Michael The Nguyen, 56, was on a bicycle, riding south on State Road A1A in Ponte Verda Beach. Mark E. Bailey, 43, was at the wheel of a 2010 Ford F150, heading east on Dolphin Boulevard, which intersects with A1A. Bailey had stopped at the intersection. But according to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Baily then drove forward to cross the southbound lanes of A1A and make a turn onto the northbound lanes.
Nguyen swerved to avoid the truck, but was unsuccessful, the report states. As Bailey drove, the front left of his F-150 struck the right rear of Nguyen’s bike, knocking it to the ground, and sending Nguyen smashing against the pavement, head first.
Nguyen was airlifted to Shands Jacksonville Hospital in critical condition. He had suffered severe head trauma. An investigation is ongoing. Alcohol was not involved.
palmcoaster says
I believe there is not law abiding when these drivers cut off into other drivers, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrians right of way…is just plain murder! The weapon utilized, is their vehicle. No respect for precious human life! Being my child an avid cyclist I always worry!
Atl beach says
I’m sure it was an accident and neither party wanted to be where they are. Im sure the driver of the truck did not say “hey, theres a biker , let me hit him”. I tell my teens all the time how serious driving is and you have to pay attention all the time. Unfortunately, someone was seriously hurt today and my prayers go out to him and his family. But, again it was a mistake I’m sure the driver of the truck would take back if he could. I doubt there is anyone out on the road driving today that can say he has never made a driving error, we are are all just lucky to have never harmed anyone with ours maybe. Living at the beach we have to be extra careful with our bikers out there. And this is one example I will share with my children.
palmcoaster says
@Atl beach: I saw with my own eyes a couple of months ago an SUV driver that was stop on Rte 1 South waiting to turn left in Rte 100 Moody Blvd and when a lady on a bycicle with a small child in her back seat proceeded on the sidewalk across Rte 100, after patiently waiting for her green light, the SUV criminal driver thru his vehicle at her with hatred of inconvenience in his expression.! The lady had to stop on her tracks and almost fell to the ground with child and bicycle to avoid being run over! I could not believe my eyes. If the woman and child would have been hurt, Thank God not! I would have pursuit that bully and be a witness against him in court, even though if I needed to make a U turn to follow him, while calling 911 and spend hours on court procedures.
So be aware out there ….that not “all bullies at the steering wheel” cutting in front of others right of ways, are so innocent and non intentional…as they take anyone for a road kill target!. Unfortunatly all those killed victims are no longer able to testify on their behalf.
Noella says
I knew Michael since I was a child. He was a very spiritual man who loved everyone. He cherished every moment in his life. He lived a sad life. His wife abandoned him, his kids left him and now they’re involved in gangs and drugs and all sorts of bad things. He used to work on a golf course, cleaning up after people. See, on that fateful day, his car broke down, so he rode his bike to work instead. …And then this happened.. I cry every night, after I heard about it. I grew up with this man when I was a KID for God’s sake. I still can’t believe it’s happening.. To those idiots who say it’s all HIS fault, believe me, it was NO ONE’S fault. It was an accident.