Re: Penalty for killing bicyclist inadequate

Colin Brander <[email protected]> Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:00:39 -0800
Newsgroups gmane.recreation.bicycle.touring.phred
Message-ID <[email protected]>
I have to agree. This was a huge mistake on her part, but I don't think she
should go to jail. However, these situations need to be treated a lot more
seriously. She took her eyes off the road and that is negligence. If laws
are improved, penalties increased and law enforcement uses the laws
properly, it is going to send a strong message to the public that while
operating a vehicle you are responsible for operating it safely and that if
you don't, there will be a price to pay. Over time, it will make the roads a
lot safer for all of us.


Colin


On Thu, Feb 17, 2011 at 7:11 AM, Miles Whelen <[email protected]> wrote:

> Hello Dennis,
>
> I see your point.  Many people seem to have no remorse as bystanders in a
> like they deserved it.  Never heard someone that ran someone down not sound
> remorseful.
>
> It does however seem to me that not controlling your vehical and killing
> someone is Gross Negligence.  The death or course is proof positive that she
> did not allow a three foot clearance.
>
> Crucifying no; consequences yes.  It should serve society and be a lesson.
> Society should decide but I thing it was not served.
>
>
> We had a young fellow (17 yo ) that killed a father and husband on a wide
> road 4 lane divided, a long line of site with wide shoulder with no traffic.
>  He said he was fumbling for a cassette tape (on the floor?) when he crossed
> the from the left to right lane onto the shoulder and struck and killed the
> man.
> Must have been some cassette. Cyclists that ride there just assumed it was
> a deliberate act to "scare" the cyclist.
>
> He lost his drivers license for a limited time, that was about it.  The
> survivors sued him for damages (teen was not emancipated) and the teenagers
> family had to sell their home to help satisfy the judgement.  There were two
> young children to provide for.
>
>
> It sounds like this woman still has a license but is likely more careful.
>
> Many auto drivers would fear losing their license for a year more than a
> week in jail.
>
>
> Perhaps a minimum sentencing standard is in order, like auto suspension of
> driving privileges. It is not a right after all, auto driving is a
> privilege.  Police officers are-benched after shooting incidents on similar
> grounds. I think society would be well served; particularly in dangerous
> Florida where it is such a utopia that homelessness is illegal and
> recreational cycling can carry the death penalty.
>
> It would be a start,
>
> Gilbert Anderson
> Yanceyville Upon Dan
>
> <<
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 07:14:00 -0500
> From: Dennis Rehak <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: Penalty for killing bicyclist inadequate
>
>
>
> People have accidents, it happens to us all.  Without some showing of gross
> negligence do we really want to crucify this  obviously remorseful woman?
>
> Sent from my iPhone. DJ Rehak>>
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"All this free parking is charity for cars" - Donald Shoup - The High Cost
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