Boulder County, CO – 2023
A 17-year-old cyclist was killed after being struck by a vehicle in Boulder County on [insert date].
According to authorities, Magnus White was struck from behind while riding his bicycle. Reports indicate the driver fell asleep at the wheel. The driver was later sentenced to four years in prison.
Magnus, a nationally ranked cyclist for USA Cycling with a 4.2 GPA, was preparing to sign with a professional team. His father, Michael White, believes that advanced safety technology in vehicles could have prevented the tragedy, stating, “If that car had been equipped with lane assist or automatic emergency braking, Magnus would be alive.”
In response to the incident, the White family is advocating for federal legislation to expand automatic emergency braking (AEB) requirements, emphasizing the need for vehicles to better detect pedestrians and cyclists.
Statistics show over 15,000 pedestrians and cyclists were killed on U.S. roads last year. Experts, including former National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advisor Missy Cummings, acknowledge limitations in current AEB systems, particularly in challenging conditions. “Both systems can struggle to detect cyclists and pedestrians,” said Cummings.
Despite the challenges, safety advocates argue improved AEB technology could save lives if implemented more broadly. The White family has established a foundation to support roadway safety legislation in Magnus' name. For more information, visit The White Line Foundation.