redbike7
3/4 Throttle
Reged: 07/24/06
Posts: 948
Loc: Cedar Park, Texas
|
|
I think it has been proven that a person involved in a cell phone conversation is just as impaired as someone drinking.
--------------------
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
|
bennybmn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 12687
Loc: Long Island, NY
|
|
Quote:
I agree that we need to identify and get the habitual drunks off the road
I agree, but if it's already a habit/habitual, then it's too late. Each and every time someone impared drives, there is that increased chance they will hurt someone. First time, 5th time, 1000th time, doesn't matter. That's why they come up with a number like .08. They need some (fair?) standard for everyone. Maybe someone will blow higher than that immediately after they finish a beer? Not sure, but I think there was a mythbusters episode on that too... The solution is real simple, just not easy.
--------------------
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
|
speeducky
Adjunct
Reged: 04/01/08
Posts: 142
|
|
I agree with Deon here. Severe punishment gets you no where. I also agree with the above statement that someone who accidently kills another pays for it the rest of there life, regardless of the "punishment" set by "law" . Punishment doesn't work because not enough people have been educated about said punishment. Blame it on the media or whoever here, it really doesn't matter.
That being said, I think Milio had some great ideas. Education is the key here. MSF classes are a great thing for anyone (not to mention they are fun). I believe that if people were aware of how easy it is to "not see a motorcyclist" they would be a little more cautious. Incorporating motorcycle awareness into drivers training and also having some questions regarding motorcycles on the drivers test could help immensely. Questions like: If a motorcyclist flashes his lights at you, does that mean that he has given you the right of way?; True or False: The reason for following motorcycles at a greater distance is because motorcycles take longer to slow down that cars.; When a motorcycle is behind you, you should: A. Slow down. B. Speed Up. C. Pull off to the right side of your lane of travel so that the motorcyclist may pass you more easily (this one annoys the ****** out of me). D. Maintain speed.; etc., etc. It doesn't take long to come up with some good questions, sampling questions from the motorcycle license test for the normal drivers test may not be a bad idea either.
Another thing that would be nice would be some simple simulators. Things like: pulling out of an intersection and a motorcycle is coming your way. Possibly use the same type of optical illusion that MSF had on their website about the reason sometimes people don't see an oncoming motorcycle (everyone loves an optical illusion, maybe it will click that people need to take extra caution when pulling out of a driveway or intersection). Also, and I like this one, as I was run off the road tonight: have someone put a cardboard cut out of a motorcycle in the drivers blind spot after they have parallel parked during the driving test. Make them realize that they must look over their shoulder when changing lanes because there could be another vehicle there.
O,K, I'm done with my rant.
--------------------
'03 Speedmaster, neglected and being nursed back to good health.
An honest shop in PA: www.234motorsports.com
|
Dwight
Fe Butt
Reged: 02/03/05
Posts: 17826
Loc: Sedona, Arizona
|
|
Excellent suggestions there, Dave!!! (and also well said!!!) 
HOWEVER...(and call me a "glass-half-empty" sort'a guy here if ya want here)...I really wonder if ANYTHING, be it "driver education" or "punishment" is EVER going to get a vast majority of cagers(or for THAT MATTER even the vast majority of M/C riders) to become more proficient and conscientious operators of their vehicles?
You see, I've always felt that this "healthy sense of suspicion" I possess about the apparent general lack of competence that most operators of motor vehicles in this country demonstrate daily(a sense that I've cultivated over my 56 years on this planet, and over 41 years of ridin' on these things known as motorcycles) is the MAIN REASON that I'm STILL ALIVE after all these years and able to type this here response to you! 
In other words...I don't think the "average american" is either all that bright and/or able to digest a whole lot of "education" that won't fit into their little philosophy that their wants and needs should mostly come first and the heck with looking out for somebody else" OR anything other then THEIR little priorities in life! And I BETCHA we motocycle rider are pretty looooow on THEIR list of priorities, and always WILL BE!!!
And so, I don't think the idea that we're ever going to "educate" a vast majority of those folks out there TO SEE US isn't necessarilly a "pragmatic vision", my friend!
But, I suppose it's worth a shot, huh?! But of course THAT probably would mean(shutter!!!)RAISING TAXES to PAY for this "new education" ya know??? And given the present american mindset about THAT, well...my GUESS is that that RIGHT THERE is gonna be a "deal breaker" dude!!!
(hey...now didn't I tell ya I might be one o' those "glass-half-empty" sort'a guys???)
Edited by Dwight (06/15/08 11:22 PM)
|
speeducky
Adjunct
Reged: 04/01/08
Posts: 142
|
|
Thanks Dwight,
I agree with you, most people are incompetent and probably don't deserve to be walking let alone driving.
I don't see any of that requiring too much of a tax hike. Most of it is just taking some of the questions from the motorcycle test and putting them into the appropriate hand outs and the driver's test. Wait until the new years handouts are being made up and put the revisions in them. Coordinating with MSF could save some $. But, then again, we are talking about our government and there needs to be a comity headed by the governor's brother for everything.
--------------------
'03 Speedmaster, neglected and being nursed back to good health.
An honest shop in PA: www.234motorsports.com
|
Dwight
Fe Butt
Reged: 02/03/05
Posts: 17826
Loc: Sedona, Arizona
|
|
You're probably right about the costs being somewhat negligible when it would come to emphasizing to drivers their need to watch out for motorcyclists as they first apply for(or even renew) their drivers licenses.
However, I think you understand the point I was making there. It seems eventually most people "forget their lessons" after awhile, and that's why it'll always pretty much be incumbent upon us as motorcyclists to watch out for the other guy, as WE will always be the most vulnerable out there.
(I mean, I don't know about YOU, but I can't remember a darn thing about high school Algebra anymore...see how we can all often "forget our lessons"???!!!) 
--------------------
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)
|
mammy
Complete Newb
Reged: 06/16/08
Posts: 1
|
|
I would have to agree the old trick they use in court is I didn't see the motorcycle and get a slap on the hand. Far too many times I have seen drivers slam on there brakes to avoid hitting a animal in the road as small as a squirrel but cant see the biker with headlights on. Drivers need to pay for the crime. Go to jail for vehicular manslaughter.
|
Greybeard
Monkey Butt
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 7855
Loc: Charming Clovis NM
|
|
Quote:
I would have to agree the old trick they use in court is I didn't see the motorcycle and get a slap on the hand. Far too many times I have seen drivers slam on there brakes to avoid hitting a animal in the road as small as a squirrel but cant see the biker with headlights on. Drivers need to pay for the crime. Go to jail for vehicular manslaughter.
I still think "I didn't see the motorcycle that was in plain sight" should be taken as an admission that they are too blind to drive and their license should be permanently revoked on the spot.
--------------------
Pain is nature's way of saying, "We know where you live".
|
bennybmn
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 12687
Loc: Long Island, NY
|
|
Quote:
I still think "I didn't see the motorcycle that was in plain sight" should be taken as an admission that they are too blind to drive and their license should be permanently revoked on the spot.
I agree!
--------------------
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
|
oneijack
Loquacious
Reged: 08/27/06
Posts: 2555
Loc: East Hampton,CT
|
|
Explain to me why one person is worth more than another?
In Ct last weekend A 17 year girl old was killed in a single car accedent. Tragic yes. She was driving alone ran off the road.Struck a tree and was killed. Key words here SINGLE CAR ACCDENT, YOUNG DRIVER, RAN OFF ROAD. What does that tell you?
It was front page news in the papers. Full report on televsion.
Sunday a 37 yr old motorcylist was killed in what looks to me like an "I didnt see him" case. Tragic yes.
It recived about 6 lines in the Hartford Current burried in the "towns" section.
Oh well another toothless dirty biker bites the dust, who gives a ****** right?
Whats my point? Getting any type of harsher pounishment for the "I didnt see em" pin heads out there would be impossible
so long as the "oh well another biker bought it" attitude prevails.
You want to do somthing Mr Politico? get your states papers to put it on the front page. Make it a law big bold type.
"I DIDNT SEE EM" put the asshats picture with it. State web site of "I didnt see em" asshats.Would be good too. Just maybe sombodyed notice.
--------------------
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
|
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Edit
Reply
Quote
