 Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Monkey Butt
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OP
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
As some of you may know, I am running for the legislature here in Iowa. One of the things that has always bugged me is when a cager kills a biker and uses the old “I didn’t see him†excuse. Too many of them get away with nothing more than a moving violation and a fine. I’m thinking there needs to be a stronger punishment than that. Vehicular Manslaughter? Reckless Disregard? What do you guys think would be appropriate? I’m not saying lock them up and throw away the key but killing, or injuring, someone should have consequences. Most of you are fairly thoughtful and mature, what do you think?
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
What is the difference between Vehicular Manslaughter and Reckless Disregard? Which one has a stiffer penalty?
Soren
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
While jail certainly would be appropriate, I think restitution may have more lasting effect, in addition to or instead of jail depending on the individual circumstances. Were drugs or alcohol involved? Reckless driving? distraction( cell phone)? etc.
And by restitution, I mean making significant payments for the rest of their life. No payoff, no escape via bankruptcy or other means. Make a payment every month for the remainder of their life. That way, they have to think about it at least once a month.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,689 Likes: 21 |
I think the assertion is flawed. IMHO I have never seen a case of a fatal accident where the, at fault, driver was given a reduced penalty because they hit a bike.
Unless you are saying bikers are more valuable than cagers for some reason.
It leaves me thinking, hmmm, I would pull out and kill that biker but now they do jail time so I think I won't change lanes. The penalty in this type of accident has no bearing on correction of behavior. Unless penalties correct or limit behavior they are just penalties.
Nobody intentionally does that type of bonehead move. They regret it forever once the tragedy happens. I am not sure what you would like to accomplish. Revenge maybe. Have you ever met anybody who accidentally killed another? They pay for it, believe me.
Bill has a good idea if the crime was drinking, racing, drugs etc. If it applied to all fatal accidents, not just bikers. What do you do with a biker that kills somebody? I guess they are less at fault because we like bikers.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Posts: 5,172 |
I'm not up on the laws involved, but the penalties should be the same, based on the circumstances, as those that apply to any other vehicular accident with the same circumstances.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Hey Larry, here's an admitedly "off-the-wall" idea for ya: Each person charged with causing a deadly accident(or for that matter, ANY charges filed at all against any defendant) is only allowed to spend "X-amount" of money in which to hire a lawyer to argue their case for them...REGARDLESS of their financial situation.(pro bono not withstanding, of course) You see, in this way you'd REALLY HAVE "equal justice under law", and Richie Rich would have as good a shot at eventually roomin' with Mongo and Leroy in Maximum Security as some poor shmuck would! How's THAT grab ya, dude? Sounds FAIR to ME! Why don't you run with this idea when you start your tenure there in the Iowa Legislature? (though for some reason I have the distinct feeling that a lot of your fellow lawmakers/lawyers there might not get on board with this) 
Last edited by Dwight; 05/30/2008 3:14 AM.
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
I kinda agree with saxtron on this one. The penalties should be the same as if you kill a biker or cager.
But the "I did not see him" defence should be disallowed.
Come up with a law that would efectivly ban that defence.
make it somthing like if a person wanted to use "I didnt see him" he would have to prove himself leagally blind.
Put a couple questions on the state drivers test related to motorcycles, and have one of them refer to the new "I didnt see em" law.
Now if drugs or alcolhol are involed then the old Soviet form of execution would be appropriate ...a single bullet to the back of the head. Quick humane and it makes a point.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Quote:
Hey Larry, here's an admitedly "off-the-wall" idea for ya:
Each person charged with causing a deadly accident(or for that matter, ANY charges filed at all against any defendant) is only allowed to spend "X-amount" of money in which to hire a lawyer to argue their case for them...REGARDLESS of their financial situation.(pro bono not withstanding, of course)
You see, in this way you'd REALLY HAVE "equal justice under law", and Richie Rich would have as good a shot at eventually roomin' with Mongo and Leroy in Maximum Security as some poor shmuck would!
How's THAT grab ya, dude? Sounds FAIR to ME! Why don't you run with this idea when you start your tenure there in the Iowa Legislature?
(though for some reason I have the distinct feeling that a lot of your fellow lawmakers/lawyers there might not get on board with this)
It would be simpler Dwight if the state provided leagal defence for all persons charged with a crime.If convicted
the defendant would then be jailed (if called for) then billed. If aquitted the state would pick up the tab. Might be fewer bullshirt arrests that way.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
In the very least, "I didn't see the 5 1/2 X 3 X 8 foot object with a big bright headlight right in the middle of the front, reflectors front and back on the sides and a big bright tail light and more reflectors in the back", is an admission to not being able to see well enough to drive. Pull their license forever for being too blind to be allowed out on the road.
Then, hit them with exactly the same penalties that would be imposed if a biker crashed into a cage and inflicted the same damage.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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 Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
If you kill somebody the penalty should be the same regardless of the weapon you used or where the person was located.
In other words, manslaughter is manslaughter, if you hit them with a car, "accidentally" pushed them off a building, or let a fire get out of controll and burned down a building.
It should be the same if they were on a motorcycle, on a bicycle, in a car, walking, or sitting in a chair.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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I agree with Brian. The punishment should be consistent regardless of what caused the death. The problem, as I see it, is how judges apply the law. They usually have wide latitude of punsihment and with the over crowded jails they don't impose heavy punishment for traffic related deaths. Someone shoots someone-they go to jail. Run over someone- 'I hated to ruin a person's life because that is the only mistake they have ever made.'
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,074
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,074 |
As a long standing member of ABATE?
I can say this is one of the things we work to correct.
If your not a member?
Join.
If your not sure what ABATE in your state is?
Check them out.
It is NOT a Club.
It's a grass roots thing that actually gives you a lot of clout!
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
I agree with Brian. The punishment should be consistent regardless of what caused the death. The problem, as I see it, is how judges apply the law. They usually have wide latitude of punsihment and with the over crowded jails they don't impose heavy punishment for traffic related deaths. Someone shoots someone-they go to jail. Run over someone- 'I hated to ruin a person's life because that is the only mistake they have ever made.'
But Manslaughter is, I believe, an accidental death.
If you shoot some one, it's kinda on purpose.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15 |
Don't fixate on just punishment for killing bikers. If you want a piece of legislation to be well received, look at a well rounded package in terms of education, enforcement, AND punishment. Education: require driver's education courses and licensing tests to have a section that focuses on awareness of motorcyclists (and scooters, bikes, trail horses, etc). Education isn't just for the cagers. Being safe and smart keeps us alive. Look for DOT incentives to get riders to take MSF courses. For instance, make it more enticing (easier/cheaper) to take the MSF and get educated and licensed than to just get temps and muddle your way into a crash. Enforcement: Educate LEO on the additional hazards that motorcyclists face (credits for MSF training would be great). Have law enforcement issue citations to people that cause hazards for motorcyclists whether there was an accident or not, because the first accident can be fatal. Punishment: Killing anyone should certainly have a pretty hefty punishment. Mandatory jail is a tough one to get people to vote for (and an issue for you to get elected on) and judges don't like laws that don't give them the ability to weigh the contributing factors (and we know no biker has ever ridden drunk, right?). But don't just focus on dead bikers. In WI we have a law that any accident involving a motorcycle requires the driver that injured the motorcyclist to take additional driver's education classes. And that can be backed up by suspending their license. Here's a brief write up of the laws we got a couple years ago here: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2006/WIlaw.aspGood luck, and thanks for trying to keep bikers alive.
Last edited by Milio; 05/30/2008 11:22 PM.
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
I don't know about the rest of you folks, but this new guy Milio here seems to see the "Big Picture"(and most sides of this thing) pretty darn well!!!  (hey Milio...let me know if YOU ever decide to run for any office out there, 'cause dude, you've got MY vote!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2008
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Couldn't you just string them up by their nuts? 
The path of excess leads to the Palace of Wisdom
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Not really. People fool with guns all the time and accidentally shoot themselves or other people.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Quote:
Not really. People fool with guns all the time and accidentally shoot themselves or other people.
Even a VP or two. 
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
You guys have to think in terms of the "offenders" actions, not the outcome. You are assuming a fatal accident. What about people who survive the accident? Were the actions of the cage EXACTLY the same? Probably, could be...
Or for instance, if there was DUI involved, what difference does it make if they hit someone, kill someone, or run into a tree? The point is they DROVE DRUNK!! They should be punnished for that.
I'm not saying let people go who kill someone, but the point is, whether or not someone survives an accident depends on MANY factors. Proximity to first aid/hospitals, riding gear, speed of the bike, what they land on, etc. I mean you can get hit and recieve a relatively minor injury of a bad cut and bleed to death if you don't get help. Or if someone runs you off the road and leaves the scene, you can lay in a ditch for two days un-noticed... Meanwhile a guy can have massive neck injuries and survive, albeit paralized, because the crash happened in front of a hospital.
So I say see the big picture like Milio said. Don't fixate on dead bikers. Fixate on bad drivers and having more consistant punnishments for ACTIONS. I also like the idea of throwing out the "I didn't see him" defense. Well then you shouldn't be driving...
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Or for instance, if there was DUI involved, what difference does it make if they hit someone, kill someone, or run into a tree? The point is they DROVE DRUNK!! They should be punished for that.
Unfortunately, punishment doesn't seem to be effective in a lot of these cases. For example, there was mention in the local paper the other day about some fool who was jailed without chance of bail for his 7th DUI. he's been jailed, sent to rehab, had his license revoked, etc but it just hasn't registered in his broken little mind that driving drunk will get him into trouble.
I am at a loss as to how to deal with the habitual drunk driver. Jail time, fines and revoked licenses don't seem to do anything. Local custom prohibits amputating hands and feet to prevent driving. Lifetime incarceration would be effective, but maybe impractical. The breathalizer controlled cars won't really work because the drunks will just go buy, borrow or steal another. Maybe an implanted alcohol detector that tazers the idiots into oblivion on the first drink?
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
...OR...maybe contacting "Guido"(with his .22 calibre and silenced pistol) to help society rid it of idiots like that, GB.
(in fact, I'd be more than happy to put a call into New Jersey at this very moment, if only you'd supply me with the name and address of that idiot who's been arrested SEVEN FRIGGIN' TIMES for a DUI!...yep!...it'd be MY PLEASURE alright!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Quote:
Unfortunately, punishment doesn't seem to be effective in a lot of these cases.
I agree. I guess my point was, maybe the punnishment for DUI should be a LOT higher, since that is the problem, whether or not they actually hit someone.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
I think the assertion is flawed. IMHO I have never seen a case of a fatal accident where the, at fault, driver was given a reduced penalty because they hit a bike.
I've been wondering about this. Sure we all get P.O.'d when we see a story about someone who got off with "a slap on the wrist" after killing a motorcyclist. But has anyone researched if this happens more with motorcyclist victims vs. pedestrians or other cagers? Could be a larger problem, for example, the courts overburdened with victimless crimes give short shrift to the victims of vehicular accidents? Skewed legalistic priorities, perhaps? (I'm looking at you, War on Drugs, and Prostitution Stings.)
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Once again, we're tilting at windmills here. My memory of details is totally gonzo, but I think the most flagrant travesties of justice were the Senator/Representative from South Dakota that cut the HD rider in half when he failed to stop at an intersection and was speeding, and another incident down south where a local legislator killed a rider and later there was a motion to name the same highway after said bozo. Both of these situations were publicized by the AMA. These are the accidents that raise our collective hackles....
Increasing the penalties for Joe Average who stops for a few on his way home from work and gets busted by the DUI patrol, thus taking away his job and ruining his life is not the answer.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Where the ****** are the motorcycle manufacturers and lobby support? Lobbyists-like them or hate them-are an important part of the legislative process in both states and national politics. The manufacturers should take a little of the billions we spend every year and put a lobby in place that has the rights of the riders foremost.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Increasing the penalties for Joe Average who stops for a few on his way home from work and gets busted by the DUI patrol, thus taking away his job and ruining his life is not the answer.
I agree with that for the most part Deon, just as long as this fella "Joe Average" isn't RE-arrested a "few times" over the course of his lifetime for this offense, that is.
And if he or JOSEPHINE Average is RE-arrested...THEN I say we put that call in to New Jersey and contract...err...CONTACT "Guido", because....I'M REALLY FRIGGIN' TIRED OF THOSE YO-YOs OUT THERE WHO WON'T LEARN THEIR FRIGGIN' LESSON THAT THEY HAVE A FRIGGIN' PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE DRUNK, because alcohol related accidents account for a disproportionate number of fatalities!!!!
(gee...ya think I made myself CLEAR on this???!!!)
Last edited by Dwight; 06/04/2008 12:28 PM.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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A guy was driving over 70 in a 30 zone with his wife and kid in the car, drinking, when he ran through a red light and killed a woman. Three years later this A******* finally came to trial. He got some kind of probation where he sleeps in a half-way house at night for a year.
This is inexcusable. If he had walked up to that woman and shot her he have been in the pen since day one. Not only did he kill a woman but he endangered all of the people on the streets he was on and his wife and child. (She divorced his a**.) He was as much a threat as a guy with a gun.
This is called accountability and if Joe Average screws up, he needs to pay for it.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,195 Likes: 56 |
I know here in PA the penalties get much worse each time someone is arrested for DUI. There is also a device, not sure how often it is used, but the driver has to breathe into the device before he can start the car. If he doesn't pass the device will not allow the car to start. The car won't start in the first place either so if you were thinking just get in and don't blow into it that won't work, you have to in order for the car to start.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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In Texas it seems to be who you are or who you know. Some people go up the river and some skate-especially if you are in the legislature. Automatic get out of jail free card.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Quote:
In Texas it seems to be who you are or who you know. Some people go up the river and some skate-especially if you are in the legislature. Automatic get out of jail free card.
Its not just Tejas mi amigo...Its a nation wide phenomenon.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Posts: 5,172 |
I guess the point I failed to make is that there is a big difference between stopping at the local "pub" for a few brewskies and being a raging alcoholic with a record. But the laws and the police do not take that into account. It's one size fits all. In Pa, the BAC limit is .08, I think. If you have a CDL (commercial driver's license) it is .04 - it doesn't matter if you are driving a commercial vehicle at the time. You get stopped at a DUI checkpoint and have had a few and you can lose your license/job in one fell swoop...
The punishment should fit the crime. I agree that we need to identify and get the habitual drunks off the road.. and if Joe/Jolene Average cross that line then they need to pay the penalty as well. But the circumstances need to be weighed before sentencing is passed - otherwise just close down all the pubs, bars, and taverns and reinstate prohibition.
Ban bikes too. They're dangerous. Cigarettes. Red meat. Sugar. Flour. Eggs.
Put speed limiters on all vehicles.
It's called personal responsibility - use it or lose it.
You can't child-proof the world. The punishment should fit the crime.....
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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I agree personality responsibility is the key. I remember Sweden had a big problem years ago and they reduced their DUI by over half and they consider .02 under the influence! Interesting link below. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=113056
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 148
Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Posts: 148 |
I was passing through Boise,ID. on I-84 the other day. The freeway info signs on both sides of the city were flashing "Watch for Motorcyclists", then would flash "look twice save a life". Pretty neat huh?
I think many drivers just see us as a smaller object comming down the road and an opportunity for them to jump in. No matter whether they are drunk or on the cell phone. We dont register as a threat. I do know it is a lot safer here in Idaho than it was in Southern California 20 years ago.
Mike
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
We dont register as a threat.
And thus, even though WE may have the right-of-way in many traffic situations, NEVER ASSUME that the cagers out there will recognize their responibility to yield.(but I know you know this already)
Quote:
I do know it is a lot safer here in Idaho than it was in Southern California 20 years ago.
Well, I'd guess that could be because in bucolic Idaho there's "probably" not as many cagers as in urbanize SoCal.
Sort'a tends to keep one on their toes(and two fingers on that there front brake lever a whole lot) around here, ya know. 
BUT, maybe the GOOD PART of all this SoCal living is that whenever I read of all the folks around here getting cut-off or even downed by the cagers during what they call their "riding season" where the WINTERS SUCK, it seems to me I read a whole lot of posts around here saying to "be careful because those cagers AREN'T used to seeing us out there during this so-called "riding season". But HERE in SUNNY SoCal, most those yo-yos in their cars out there see us YEAR AROUND on our bikes, and thus this particular "phenomenon" doesn't usually apply!!! 
(yeah...I admit it...I LOVE rubbin' the great SoCal weather in the noses of those "up there" and "back there" in the hinterlands...so SUE ME!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
Quote:
Quote:
We dont register as a threat.
And thus, even though WE may have the right-of-way in many traffic situations, NEVER ASSUME that the cagers out there will recognize their responibility to yield.(but I know you know this already)
Quote:
I do know it is a lot safer here in Idaho than it was in Southern California 20 years ago.
Well, I'd guess that could be because in bucolic Idaho there's "probably" not as many cagers as in urbanize SoCal.
Sort'a tends to keep one on their toes(and two fingers on that there front brake lever a whole lot) around here, ya know.
BUT, maybe the GOOD PART of all this SoCal living is that whenever I read of all the folks around here getting cut-off or even downed by the cagers during what they call their "riding season" where the WINTERS SUCK, it seems to me I read a whole lot of posts around here saying to "be careful because those cagers AREN'T used to seeing us out there during this so-called "riding season". But HERE in SUNNY SoCal, most those yo-yos in their cars out there see us YEAR AROUND on our bikes, and thus this particular "phenomenon" doesn't usually apply!!!
(yeah...I admit it...I LOVE rubbin' the great SoCal weather in the noses of those "up there" and "back there" in the hinterlands...so SUE ME!!!)
You will be hearing from my attorney shortly,,,you have caused me great psycological damage and emotional distress...how ever an out of court settlement is not out of the question.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
As for weather, I'm at about the same altitude and latitude as Gorman pass, and the weather is about the same, only the ground isn't so shaky. 
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Well, why do ya think I have that other place in Prescott, GB??? It's because when California falls off into the ocean(as I hear a whole lot of those frozen and weather envious "Hinterlanders" wish it would from time to time 'round here ), then I'LL HAVE that beachfront property I've always wanted but could never really afford before!!!  You see, YOU'LL still be way over there MILES and MILES from my "New Big Sur", still sittin' there in the middle o' nowhere...kind'a like a "New Indio" or maybe a "New Blythe"!!! 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
(...or maybe a "New Barstow")
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Kill a biker, go to jail!
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 53
Member
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Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 53 |
I think the biggest thing you could do to improve biker safety is to outlaw cell phone use when driving a car. My guess is that's what's responsible for the 100% increase in motorcycle fatalities over the past 10 years. Another quess is that cell phones contribute to more fatalities than alchohol. 
Hate workin' for the man...
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