In the minds of many, Boston, Massachusetts, is the preeminent college city. Not only do many colleges and universities call it home, but the city also boasts many of the world's top institutions of higher learning, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Those who drive through the city must be constantly aware of the large numbers of students walking and riding their bicycles to and from class. Failing to do so can result in car accidents and fatalities.

A driver of an oil tanker truck may not have taken due care while traveling through Cambridge late last year. Reports indicate that the truck was turning from Massachusetts Ave. onto Vassar St. when it struck and killed a bicyclist in the intersection. The crash occurred after dark.

The bicyclist was a 2010 graduate of MIT and had been working as a research assistant in Cambridge since his graduation. During his time at MIT, he was an upstanding member of the student body. He worked at a summer program for kids who have lost a parent to cancer and he pledged the Sigma Nu fraternity.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time someone has been injured at this particular intersection. Last year, it was considered the second most dangerous intersection in Cambridge. And according to police figures, 55 accidents have occurred there since 2007, with 24 of those involving an automobile and a bicycle.

Bicycles are a great way to get around the narrow and crowded colonial streets of Boston and Cambridge. But bicycles share the roads with thousands of cars and trucks whose drivers may not be paying attention as closely as they should. Those riding bicycles should exercise caution while riding, but in the event of an accident, they should know their legal right to compensation.

Source: The Tech, "Three student deaths hit community," Derek Chang, Feb. 7, 2012.