In a shocking incident near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, a retired physician named Tom Geppert narrowly escaped death when an alleged drunk driver struck him and fellow cyclist Deborah Eads. The incident, captured on viral footage, has now led to the identification of the driver and the charges he is facing.

The driver, Benjamin Hylander, an American Airlines cargo worker, allegedly careened his vehicle into Geppert and Eads on Monday. The video footage shows the cyclists being hit from behind, with Geppert being crushed by the car. However, Geppert credits his bike for saving his life, as its presence underneath him elevated the car slightly and acted as a cushion upon impact.

Recalling the terrifying incident, Geppert said he only remembers being pushed from behind and then falling. The driver briefly slowed down but then continued to drive forward, running over Geppert's leg and causing him to lose consciousness. Geppert was later diagnosed with a concussion, a fractured rib, a severe laceration, and an injury to his left hamstring. Miraculously, neither Geppert nor Eads sustained more severe injuries.

Expressing gratitude for his survival, Geppert stated, "I'm just overall amazingly lucky that I'm still alive." Meanwhile, Good Samaritans at the scene detained Hylander until the arrival of the police, who performed field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer. Hylander reportedly failed both tests and was subsequently arrested.

The charges filed against Hylander include two counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury, accident involving injury, and driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than 0.15. He is currently being held at the Tarrant County Corrections Center on a $36,000 bond. American Airlines has confirmed that Hylander is being withheld from service following the incident.

As the investigation continues, Geppert's ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. The incident underscores the importance of remaining vigilant on the roads and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all individuals, especially vulnerable road users such as cyclists.

It is hoped that the legal process will provide justice for Geppert and Eads, as well as serve as a deterrent against similar reckless behavior in the future.