Driver released on bond after Ellenton accident that killed motorcyclist

ELLENTON, FL – The driver involved in a crash that killed a motorcyclist is free on bond while the community mourns the victim, WFLA reports.

This is an update to a previous story.

The driver, 53-year-old David Shanks, was charged with DUI manslaughter following the accident on U.S. 301 in Ellenton Sunday night. Shanks has now been released on a $50,500 bond. The Florida Highway Patrol said the motorcycle rider, identified as 17-year-old Mikeal Steele, had the right of way when Shanks pulled out in front of him in his Jeep while trying to make a left turn onto 42nd Avenue East.

A makeshift memorial has formed near the crash scene. The victim’s mother, GayLee Steele, criticized the release of Shanks, telling a reporter, “If you killed somebody, it should be law, you shouldn’t be out because if he has done it once or twice before, he will do it again,”

A high school student in Bradenton launched a petition drive that gathered over 2,000 signatures calling for stiffer penalties on DUI charges.

Each year, more than 8,000 motorcycle crashes happen in the state of Florida. Almost 500 of those accidents result in fatalities and thousands more cause serious injuries. If you are one of the Florida motorcyclists who has been injured, or you are a concerned loved one of someone who has been in a crash, the Manatee County Motorcycle Accident lawyers at the Kemp Law Group Law Group will be ready to assist you and fight for compensation. Get started today by calling us at 727-645-0769 or responding in our online chat box.