Driver that killed bicyclist $113 ticket

The driver of an AT&T work van that struck and killed a bicyclist on the James Island connector has settled his $113 traffic fine and won't be in court tomorrow as scheduled.

An attorney for the driver, Gregory Rupley said the fee was paid earlier, eliminating the need for the driver to appear in Charleston Municipal Court. The legal procedure is commonly known as "forfeiting a bond" to settle the ticket. Forfeiting the bond also means Rupley is not formally admitting guilt. Rupley, 44, of Ashley Hall Road, was charged with improper lane usage in the accident that killed anesthesiologist Mitchell Hollon on July 5 on the James Island connector.

The morning rush-hour collision sent Hollon over the wall of the westbound lane, 40 feet to the marsh below. Police said the improper lane usage charge against Rupley was the closest applicable under state law involving acar-versus-bike accident. Section 56-5-1900 of the state code states, "A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety." Rupley reportedly drifted into the breakdown lane, where he struck Hollon from behind.