'Magnus' Law' signed by Colorado Governor after teen cyclist's death sparked reform

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed SB26-132, known as Magnus' Law, into legislation, introducing a new statewide protocol requiring law enforcement officers to offer voluntary preliminary breath screening tests at the scene of crashes involving fatal or serious bodily injury. The law is named after 17-year-old cyclist Magnus White, a member of the U.S. national cycling team, who tragically died in a training accident in July 2023. White’s death highlighted gaps in crash investigations, particularly the missed opportunity to gather timely evidence of potential driver impairment. The driver responsible for the collision, Yeva Smilianska, was convicted of vehicular homicide and reckless driving, receiving a four-year prison sentence followed by three years of parole. During the trial, Smilianska claimed a mechanical failure caused the crash, but investigations found no vehicle defects, and prosecutors argued she had fallen asleep at the wheel. Crucially, no breath or blood test was administered at the scene, leaving questions about impairment unresolved despite evidence that Smilianska had consumed alcohol and medication earlier that day. Magnus’ family emphasised the importance of capturing evidence immediately after a crash, describing it as fragile and fleeting. They expressed mixed emotions at the law’s signing, acknowledging the difficulty of celebrating legislation named after their son while recognising its potential to prevent similar tragedies. The ceremony took place at Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, a location significant to Magnus’ life and training, underscoring the personal impact behind the new law. Supporters of Magnus’ Law argue that it standardises the investigative process for serious crashes in Colorado while safeguarding drivers’ rights. The legislation mandates that officers inform drivers that breath screening tests are voluntary and that refusal cannot be used to revoke or administratively sanction their licences. Advocacy groups like The White Line Foundation, established by Magnus’ parents, have praised the law as a vital step toward ensuring impairment is thoroughly investigated in fatal or serious crashes, turning personal loss into meaningful reform.