A young man faces a jury in Girona after allegedly hitting a cyclist while drunk and fleeing the scene. The prosecution demands eight years in prison. The case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and driver responsibility.
A high-profile trial opened this week in Girona, where a young man stands accused of fatally striking a cyclist while driving under the influence and then fleeing the scene. The incident, which occurred on the GIV-6703 road near the Santuario del Àngels, has drawn attention to the persistent dangers faced by cyclists on Catalan roads and the legal consequences for drivers who fail to assist accident victims.
According to the prosecution, the events unfolded early on October 30, 2021, after the accused, D. C. V., and a friend spent the night celebrating at the Fires de Girona. Both reportedly consumed significant amounts of alcohol before deciding to drive along a winding stretch of road known for its sharp curves and frequent cyclists. Despite clear signage limiting speed to 40 km/h and warning of cyclists, the Volkswagen Golf driven by D. C. V. collided with a woman on a bicycle. The impact shattered the windshield, threw the cyclist over the guardrail, and left her critically injured on a slope, while her bicycle became entangled in a tree.
Instead of stopping to help, the two young men continued driving for 2.4 kilometers, despite the car's damaged windshield and a blown front tire. They reportedly maintained visibility by sticking their heads out the window, eventually stopping in a restaurant parking lot to change the tire. Afterwards, they took a forest track in the opposite direction, apparently to avoid detection. The cyclist was ultimately found by a hunter who heard the crash and called emergency services, enabling her to be transported alive to Hospital Josep Trueta, where she later died from severe chest injuries.
When police detained the suspects, officers noted clear signs of intoxication in the driver. A breathalyzer test at 8:57 a.m. showed a blood alcohol level of 0.92 milligrams per liter of exhaled air—well above the legal limit of 0.25. The prosecution is seeking eight years in prison for D. C. V. on charges of endangering road safety and aggravated failure to render aid. The passenger, J. V. P., faces a fine of €5,475 for his role in not assisting the victim. The cyclist, who was married and had a six-year-old son, died as a result of multiple traumatic injuries. Her child has since required ongoing psychological support.
The case has also prompted a civil claim against Allianz, the insurer, with the victim's family seeking €250,000 in compensation for her son. The trial is expected to last through Friday, with the jury set to consider both the criminal and civil aspects of the case. The proceedings come amid broader concerns about road safety in Spain, especially for vulnerable users such as cyclists. In a related context, recent incidents like the bus crash in Lleida, which left dozens injured, have underscored the ongoing challenges facing emergency response and traffic enforcement across the country. For more on similar cases, see the report on the Lleida bus accident that mobilized emergency services.
Spain has seen a steady increase in cycling for both recreation and commuting, leading to heightened calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved infrastructure. The outcome of the Girona trial may influence future legal standards for drivers involved in accidents with cyclists, particularly regarding the duty to assist. As the trial unfolds, attention remains focused on the responsibilities of motorists and the protection of vulnerable road users.
