M/C Accidents????

[old2soon]

Most if not All of us here know by now that one of our Brothers-RDKLL-had a terrible incident just this past Good Friday. Czuch brought up the Fact another Brother was rear ended by a-y'all insert whatever wurx fer ya here-person that was texting and had No Insurance. The immediate problem-least ways as I see it-is the texting/talking on the phone or otherwise NOT paying attention to what needs to be done when yer under the wheel of a cage-DRIVING. If anyone on our board has Yet to have a close encounter with a person texting etc etc or doing Anything BUT driving-git ready. It WILL happen and I PRAY you are NOT hurt when it do. I M H O-yup-O 2 S IS at it AGAIN-past 5 M P H ALL these devices NEED to shut off. Except for 911. How MANY More Brothers and Sisters need to be injured or killed BEFORE we as responsible citizens DO Something? I've had my or more than my fair share of this B S. THEY have also encroached in my space while in my cage. ANY cage runs into a M/C we KNOW the M/C loses. The next issue-lack of insurance is again-I M H O-easily addressed by the D M V-if you can NOT prove 1 year of insurance you do NOT git yer tags. And if you do cancel the insurance company MUST notify D M V and D M V DEMANDS your tags back and you are put into the State/County/Local L E O data bases as arrest on sight if the tags ain't turned in after dropping/losing your insurance. Harsh you say? What's harsher-getting hurt or killed or gittin the bozos off the road? RIDE SAFE.

[RDKLL]

L live in Arizona, a state with some of the most severe penalties in th country for speeding and DUI yet one of only 4 staes in the entie country with no statewide ban on texting and driving with exception of school bus drivers are not allowed to operate a cell phone and a school bus at the same time...add to that a local law firm that is offering a $1000 scholarship to kids willing to sign a pledge that they wont text and drive...now they are making a BFD out of a law that will probably pass that would make it against the law to text and drive within the first 6 months after getting their licenses.
It is a phaquin joke...you would think it would be a no-brainer...13 senior citizens killed because some overly self-impotant guy had to be texting instead of driving...I think it will only get better when someone famous either gets killed, or is the killer for anything to be done...

[Sorcerer]

I hear Ya. Here in Minnesota they just in the last 2-3 years went back to having to supply the name and policy # at lic. Tab renewal. Minnesota did it for a long time then they stopped. The problem is that only the law abiding follow the law. Your tabs expire on Friday so you get your tabs on Thursday. Buy a car with 10-12 months left on the tabs and don't transfer the title. Use some one else's policy. The time before they " threaten " to do a random check to see if your insurance was infact current. At that time, as is now, what the insurance company's sends to the state has to make it into the data base. So if some ones policy laps or is dropped on Monday and your unlucky to encounter that person after that, you better have a rider on your policy for uninsured under insured. Remember your asking an goverment entity to have there ducks in a row. Think health care.

[Moonshot_1]

Not sure what "responsible people" can actually do here.

The problem with fines, punishments, revoking licenses, and such is that these things are applied after the incident. Like Sorcerer said, only the law abiding follow the law.

The public service ads should focus on getting folks to look out for the idiots, not to tell the idiots to stop texting. They are idiots.

So the first thing we should be telling folks is to be vigilant! Don't be complacent while driving.

We should see legislation that allows for significant increases in Civil liabilities for causing accidents while  texting and driving. Not fines to the government, although there will be those, but to increase the amount of damages by a factor of 4 or 5.

Give phone makers and providers a year to make changes in the software or hardware to address the driving and texting issue then pass legislation that will make them liable for their product that allows it and is proven to be a cause of an accident.
I think of it as having a gun manufacturer design a safety for the gun. A 5 mph cut off for phones with hardware or software available for Taxis, trains, buses,  and other passenger related carriers to work around the cut off, with private phone use limited to 911, and other emergency services.

The thought I have is to not wait for the incident to occur before we do something but to address the issue before the incident even happens.

[3fan4life]

Severe penalties and Judges who will enforce them are the only things that stand a chance of getting people to obey the law.

My suggestions would be:

1) Fines that increase exponentially for texting and driving, with fine and loss of license for 1yr with 3rd offense.

2) Loss of license for 1yr for anyone that has an accident while texting and driving.

3) Mandatory 6 months to 1 yr in jail and loss of license for 1-3 yrs if accident results in an injury.

4) Mandatory 5-15 yrs in jail if accident results in a serious injury and loss of license for 5yrs.

5) Mandatory that they serve the maximum amount of jail time allowed for a conviction of manslaughter if the accident results in someones death. And permanent loss of license.  

As far as uninsured/underinsured drivers, I do think that there should be stiff penalties for those driving without insurance. And those penalties should include full restitution to the injured parties.

However, I know better than to trust the government to protect me. I carry uninsured/underinsured policies on everything. It doesn't cost much and is a necessity in Today's culture.    

[Bigwolf]

Texting while driving is at epidemic levels these days for sure.  However, I have witnessed drivers severely distracted by many other things too.  Before cell phones, people were driving while reading papers, books, putting on makeup, looking into the backseat to carry on an intense conversation with someone, ........... etc, etc.  My point is that there will always be something distracting inattentive drivers.  Never underestimate the statement that "the more idiot proof you make a machine or situation, the more idiotic the idiots will become".  They will rise to the occasion.

I was hit once by a guy that was too busy talking to the passenger beside him to hear my horn or even realize that I was passing him.  He just suddenly moved into my lane without even looking. I was in a full sized maxi van.

The bottom line as I see it is I must always be driving defensively.  It is up to me to keep me alive.  Being right is not good enough if I get killed anyway because of the other person's mistake.

Just my humble thoughts.
Bigwolf

[Gryphon Rider]

From http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/distracteddriving.htm:

"The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $287 fine and three demerit points.

The law applies to all motor vehicles as defined by the Traffic Safety Act. It restricts drivers from:
◾using hand-held cell phones
◾texting or e-mailing (even when stopped at red lights)
◾using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)
◾entering information on GPS units
◾reading printed materials in the vehicle
◾writing, printing or sketching
◾personal grooming (brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails or shaving)"

---------------------------------

While the prohibition has helped, I still see drivers using cell phones fairly often, maybe 1/3 or 1/2 as much as before they upped the fine and added demerits.  I think they should up the fines and demerits every year until it becomes a rarity.

We need to show proof of insurance whenever registering or renewing registration on a vehicle.  I suppose one could renew their plate, then cancel or fail to renew their insurance, or forge their proof-of-insurance paper, but there are heavy fines for driving without insurance.  In Alberta, a first offence carries a fine of $2875 to $11,500.  A second charge within five years of the first can net a fine of between $5750 and $11,500.

[Jess from VA]

I spent a lot of time in courtrooms, and got to know a bunch of cops.

I asked one what the the wildest thing he ever saw patrolling.

He didn't even hesitate..... a woman putting on panty hose on the freeway.

How is that even possible?

How come I only see cell phone/texters (eaters, drinkers, reaching over the seat straightening out kidsers)?

The panty hose thing could be force multiplier in distracted driving.

[old2soon]

Just fer yuks and giggles I stopped and chatted with my Insurance agent today. I asked him about a direct correlation between cell phones and accidents or other electronic gizmos being the root Cause of the accident. He told me by the time the Insurance companies get the info on the accident-if it's even reported-the wording is usually something like distracted driving or something else ambiguous at best. I intend on talking with our Local and County and State L E Os. Then I want to find out-sadly do NOT know at this time-Who is my State rep is in Jefferson City-The Capital. I'm tired of feeling that there is a target on me No MATTER what I ride or drive. Even though I'm privy to a lot of rural roads here in order to git "somewhere" I must use busy 2 or 4 lane highways or-shudder-the Interstate system.  I wasn't a big fan of the Interstates even when I wuz makin my livin Drvin an 18 wheeler. Course lotsa these self important rectums BELIEVE they have a Right to do whatever in the heck they wanna do!  With the excess electrical power available on our Valkyrie's-Is there enough extra to run shield generators or phasers?  RIDE SAFE

[sandy]

I was raised in NY state. In 1965, insurance was mandatory. If you canceled your policy, the ins company notified NYS MVD and within 30 days your plates were confiscated at your house if you didn't already turn it in. RDKLL said we are 1 of 4 states without a texting ban in cars. The news reported last night that we're the ONLY state without this law. On all 3 of my bikes, I have LOUD horns. They get used when I see a texter on the freeway.

[..]

Driving a school bus today the male driver of the car in front of me has his phone held in his right hand.

He's bouncing off the yellow and white lines.

At each stop light he's too interested in his f'in Facebook crap than the green light. I can see him scrolling the Facebook screen.

Followed him for about 15 minutes until he turned off.

So many addicted to a world they can't live in without their dumb phone in case something happens of such importance that if they don't see it immediately their sad little world will implode.

I reckon about 60% of the idiots on the road have their dumb phones in their hand whilst driving.

Pathetic pieces of rancid horse dung.

You can see them in public places walking whilst clutching their dumb phone.

Sitting in restaurants engaged in their dumb phone rather than the person they are with.

Families sitting with slack jawed, brain drooling faces lit up by their dumb phones.

We're doomed.

Wait until VR takes off then watch the dumb f'ers drive whilst engaged in VR. Some will try.

[RDKLL]

I  RDKLL said we are 1 of 4 states without a texting ban in cars. The news reported last night that we're the ONLY state without this law.

It is 2 states with no ban: AZ an MT and 2 with partial ban: TX and MO
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/laws/cellphonelaws/maptextingbans?topicName=Distracted%20driving#map

[old2soon]

Driving a school bus today the male driver of the car in front of me has his phone held in his right hand.

He's bouncing off the yellow and white lines.

At each stop light he's too interested in his f'in Facebook crap than the green light. I can see him scrolling the Facebook screen.

Followed him for about 15 minutes until he turned off.

So many addicted to a world they can't live in without their dumb phone in case something happens of such importance that if they don't see it immediately their sad little world will implode.

I reckon about 60% of the idiots on the road have their dumb phones in their hand whilst driving.

Pathetic pieces of rancid horse dung.

          C'mon Paul-tell us how ya REALLY feel   Some of the folks I ride P G R with seem miffed when I inform them I do none of the fairly popular social media things. And if you have my phone number DO NOT text me-I will NOT respond to a text-call me instead and converse. And in case anyone is interested if I'm driving I mostly ignore my cell phone. When riding It's either in the windshield pouch or in my jacket. I check the pone when I stop though-mostly for the weather app I have installed. Couple year ago my now x b I l wanted me to git blue tooth. Told him in no uncertain terms I would not have that contraption-i ride to git away from the B S. RIDE SAFE.

[Simmy74]

Just a thought-
The only way to actively police it is on board cameras or phones that "tell on you".  Either one is a severe invasion on your personal freedom IMO, but it seems inevitable at this point.  The autonomous car thing is VERY real, and unfortunately things like this will be used to justify the "enhanced security " of the new solution, instead of fixing the current problem as it is today.

As the new way gets rolled out we may find WE are the ones being labeled the risk,  since motorcycles don't fit the autonomous model, especially antique ones. It's far more likely that WE will end up being assessed a new premium for being dangerous.   Be careful what you wish for

It's not pretty,  but I think it's the most likely outcome.
Until then, a middle finger and a boot in the door are still options for riders.

However,  I fear Deer more than morons

[old2soon]

Just a thought-
The only way to actively police it is on board cameras or phones that "tell on you".  Either one is a severe invasion on your personal freedom IMO, but it seems inevitable at this point.  The autonomous car thing is VERY real, and unfortunately things like this will be used to justify the "enhanced security " of the new solution, instead of fixing the current problem as it is today.

As the new way gets rolled out we may find WE are the ones being labeled the risk,  since motorcycles don't fit the autonomous model, especially antique ones. It's far more likely that WE will end up being assessed a new premium for being dangerous.   Be careful what you wish for

It's not pretty,  but I think it's the most likely outcome.
Until then, a middle finger and a boot in the door are still options for riders.

However,  I fear Deer more than morons

              Soooooooooooo you'd be good with a moronic deer?  BUT you KNOW goin in the deer do NOT have insurance.  RIDE SAFE.

[da prez]

  Illinois has a law that bans hand held devices while driving. They do not get tickets tho , because the police can't see them while they are doing the same.
  On a stretch of road where that is basically deserted , I tried to drive and text. In just a couple minutes , I went off the road or crossed the center line several times. I do not drive and text , I just wanted to see for myself. BTW , there were no other vehicles around when I did this. I will never do it again.

                                                      da prez

[cookiedough]

I agree 110% on cell phones go OFF while ignition goes on above 5 mph and DMV and insurance companies have to do more of their jobs and get all of these people with NO insurance OFF the road by suspending their drivers license until the pay the bare mininum liability limits.

Trust me I did everything in my power when an uninsured driver who lied to our local police chief stating he had insurance and did NOT to get him off the road since took 10 months to cough up 1100 bucks he owed me to fix my newer truck bumper/wiring harness.  I took him to small claims court and contacted DMV to give him X amount of time and if not paid up, he gets his drivers license taken away.  It worked but took 10 months for him to pay up.

[old2soon]

I agree 110% on cell phones go OFF while ignition goes on above 5 mph and DMV and insurance companies have to do more of their jobs and get all of these people with NO insurance OFF the road by suspending their drivers license until the pay the bare mininum liability limits.

Trust me I did everything in my power when an uninsured driver who lied to our local police chief stating he had insurance and did NOT to get him off the road since took 10 months to cough up 1100 bucks he owed me to fix my newer truck bumper/wiring harness.  I took him to small claims court and contacted DMV to give him X amount of time and if not paid up, he gets his drivers license taken away.  It worked but took 10 months for him to pay up.

          Kinda hard to git something from someone that not only do not have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of. Am NOT telling you to leave he douche alone. We All NEED/SHOULD/ACT like we ARE responsible for our actions. My thought-you can't afford tags insurance and taxes why git the ride in the first place?  RIDE SAFE.

[Ramie]

No texting and driving here in Minnesota.  Last year the Hwy Patrol drove around in Semi so they could look down into cars.  If they were texting a following patrol would pull them over and ticket them.  Not sure it helped much, there's still to many folks doing it.

[old2soon]

No texting and driving here in Minnesota.  Last year the Hwy Patrol drove around in Semi so they could look down into cars.  If they were texting a following patrol would pull them over and ticket them.  Not sure it helped much, there's still to many folks doing it.

            The cell phone providers could end this NOW with the cutoff of the phone past 5 M P H-But of course there IS a caveat. They-the providers-have to want it to happen That or legislation-federal. Countin on folks to do the "right" thing??  RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

I agree 110% on cell phones go OFF while ignition goes on above 5 mph and DMV and insurance companies have to do more of their jobs and get all of these people with NO insurance OFF the road by suspending their drivers license until the pay the bare mininum liability limits.

Trust me I did everything in my power when an uninsured driver who lied to our local police chief stating he had insurance and did NOT to get him off the road since took 10 months to cough up 1100 bucks he owed me to fix my newer truck bumper/wiring harness.  I took him to small claims court and contacted DMV to give him X amount of time and if not paid up, he gets his drivers license taken away.  It worked but took 10 months for him to pay up.

          Kinda hard to git something from someone that not only do not have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of. Am NOT telling you to leave he douche alone. We All NEED/SHOULD/ACT like we ARE responsible for our actions. My thought-you can't afford tags insurance and taxes why git the ride in the first place?  RIDE SAFE.

Oh yes,  next step if DMV loosing license did not take affect and wake him up, was going to get him to sell and give up his personal belongings to get me my money by law can do that, but nothing he had was worth guessing 1100 bucks?? 

What pissed me off was when I kept calling him weekly after the first 2-3 months of NON payment and he called me back up after calling him up 2xs same day with him threatening to go to the police for me harrassing him leaving him a voice message to pay up.  I went to local police, same police chief, and he did say if you bug him so many times in one week,  he could sue me for harrassment.  That pissed me off to ASAP go to small claims court and get the ball rolling.  I will NOT take NO for an answer even from someone who does not have much to pay up with.  he should sell one of his 3 harley davidsons sitting in his shed since I know him living 1/2 mile from my house in town.  His kid and my kid go to school together in same class as well.

[Gabriel]

I've seen people reading books, putting on make-up (Bondo) and other things

I've been down a lot of times, at least 30 times (I was a flat tracker), but I have never been hit by a car, I did get hit by another motorcycle (on the street) once.
He was in my draft we were running wide open on the hwy. when a car pulled out from a side street, I let off the gas he hit my rear tire, I looked around just in time to see him coming by me when his mirror hooked mine!
Turning  the bar to the lock at 60mph is not survivable, I was thrown to the pavement, it bruised my hip and scraped me up, he went down also and slid under the car that pulled out in front of us, his bike followed him under the car the car drug him and the bike 50 yards before stopping.
These were little bikes I was on a Honda 90 he was on a Honda 65, we all survived to crash more times in the future. 
The crap you get away with when your young, boy those days are gone!