Absolving Drivers of blame - re: Cyclist Killed

It is sad as it is when one of us dies out trying to enjoy and promote all the wonderful things
about cycling. What depresses me is how our society rushes to the aid of the driver, not the victim.
I recently read an article about the tragedy of a kid on a bike who pulled out into the street and
was killed by a car. The tragedy the paper related both by the cop and the bystander wasn't about
the kid's family or a life cut short - it was about the "poor" driver having to live with it the
rest of his life. Christ - at least he has a life to live.

The only thing worse is when the driver is clearly at fault but not even charged - such as when Marc
Webb was exercising his right to ride on the road in broad daylight and run down from behind by a
driver whose name they wouldn't even give. I think it is really important we look at that story (and
every future one) and exactly how it was reported.

Palm Beach Post, November 26th, 2003

A 55-year-old Royal Palm Beach man WAS KILLED Wednesday when A LANDSCAPING TRUCK HIT HIS BICYCLE
near the intersection of Forest Hill Boulevard and Wellington Trace. Marc Webb died at the scene,
sheriff's Sgt. John Churchill said.

WEBB WAS PEDALING a reclining bicycle eastbound on Forest Hill just west of Wellington Trace when an
Eve Landscaping & Maintenance truck struck him from behind at 7:20 a.m., deputies said.

So why all the third person, passive voice, and anonymity for the driver but first person active
voice for the cyclist? How do you get killed when a truck hits your bike? Neither a truck or your
bike are animate, neither can kill or die. Here's the way all our English teachers taught us:

Mr. Somebody was driving a landscaping truck eastbound on Forest Hill just west of Washington Trace
when he struck Marc Webb who was cycling along the shoulder. Mr. Webb died at the scene.

You might say, what's the point? You can sort out what really happened anyway. That is most
definitely not the point. The point is by writing about the same facts in drastically different
ways, you write two drastically different stories - just like you would by changing the tone of your
voice and body language in person. Even using the term pedaling versus cycling conjures up someone
poking and wobbling along, versus a cyclist - like Lance Armstrong.

The two different stories are:

Blame the cyclist: Marc Webb was pedaling along when an accident caused a truck to hit his bike, he
then died.

Blame who is at fault: Mr. Somebody failed to see and avoid Marc Webb who was cycling legally in
broad daylight on an open road. He struck Mr. Webb from behind and killed him.

One would think that in a sane society, we would hold those maneuvering thousands of pounds of steel
at lethal velocities more liable than those wielding 30 pounds of bike. But when you consider that
the press's largest form of funding is auto advertising, this is hard to expect. If we don't fight
it, then everyone will just see us as suicidal road kill on wheels.

Cyclists in the area need to get after the local prosecutor to press charges, and write the paper's
editor for sounding like a spokesman for the AAA.

--
Robert Haston Satellite Beach, FL

Gotta agree. This has always pissed me off. The same type of example can be found with the recent
death of a cyclist at the hands of a recent Miss Florida (or maybe Miss America, I can't remember
which). When driving I often notice drivers who turn too wide or slowly cross onto the shoulder. I
make it a point to figure out why and when I catch up to them, 90% of the time they are on a cell
phone. What I just don't understand is why these folks don't have a hands free operation to ensure
safety. bc

"Robert Haston" <rehaston@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:tYdxb.21408$Rk5.8603@newsread1.....earthlink.net...
> It is sad as it is when one of us dies out trying to enjoy and promote all the wonderful things
> about cycling. What depresses me is how our society rushes to the aid of the driver, not the
> victim. I recently read an
article
> about the tragedy of a kid on a bike who pulled out into the street and
was
> killed by a car. The tragedy the paper related both by the cop and the bystander wasn't about the
> kid's family or a life cut short - it was about the "poor" driver having to live with it the rest
> of his life. Christ -
at
> least he has a life to live.
>
> The only thing worse is when the driver is clearly at fault but not even charged - such as when
> Marc Webb was exercising his right to ride on the road in broad daylight and run down from behind
> by a driver whose name
they
> wouldn't even give. I think it is really important we look at that story (and every future one)
> and exactly how it was reported.
>
> Palm Beach Post, November 26th, 2003
>
> A 55-year-old Royal Palm Beach man WAS KILLED Wednesday when A LANDSCAPING TRUCK HIT HIS BICYCLE
> near the intersection of Forest Hill Boulevard and Wellington Trace. Marc Webb died at the scene,
> sheriff's Sgt. John Churchill said.
>
> WEBB WAS PEDALING a reclining bicycle eastbound on Forest Hill just west
of
> Wellington Trace when an Eve Landscaping & Maintenance truck struck him
from
> behind at 7:20 a.m., deputies said.
>
> So why all the third person, passive voice, and anonymity for the driver but first person active
> voice for the cyclist? How do you get killed when a truck hits your bike? Neither a truck or
your
> bike are animate, neither can kill or die. Here's the way all our English teachers taught us:
>
> Mr. Somebody was driving a landscaping truck eastbound on Forest Hill just west of Washington
> Trace when he struck Marc Webb who was cycling along
the
> shoulder. Mr. Webb died at the scene.
>
> You might say, what's the point? You can sort out what really happened anyway. That is most
> definitely not the point. The point is by writing about the same facts in drastically different
> ways, you write two drastically different stories - just like you would by changing the tone
of
> your voice and body language in person. Even using the term pedaling
versus
> cycling conjures up someone poking and wobbling along, versus a cyclist - like Lance Armstrong.
>
> The two different stories are:
>
> Blame the cyclist: Marc Webb was pedaling along when an accident caused a truck to hit his bike,
> he then died.
>
> Blame who is at fault: Mr. Somebody failed to see and avoid Marc Webb who was cycling legally in
> broad daylight on an open road. He struck Mr. Webb from behind and killed him.
>
> One would think that in a sane society, we would hold those maneuvering thousands of pounds of
> steel at lethal velocities more liable than those wielding 30 pounds of bike. But when you
> consider that the press's
largest
> form of funding is auto advertising, this is hard to expect. If we don't fight it, then everyone
> will just see us as suicidal road kill on wheels.
>
> Cyclists in the area need to get after the local prosecutor to press charges, and write the
> paper's editor for sounding like a spokesman for
the
> AAA.
>
> --
> Robert Haston Satellite Beach, FL

"Robert Haston" <rehaston@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:<tYdxb.21408$Rk5.8603@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net>...
> It is sad as it is when one of us dies out trying to enjoy and promote all the wonderful things
> about cycling. What depresses me is how our society rushes to the aid of the driver, not the
> victim. I recently read an article about the tragedy of a kid on a bike who pulled out into the
> street and was killed by a car. The tragedy the paper related both by the cop and the bystander
> wasn't about the kid's family or a life cut short - it was about the "poor" driver having to live
> with it the rest of his life. Christ - at least he has a life to live.
>
> The only thing worse is when the driver is clearly at fault but not even charged - such as when
> Marc Webb was exercising his right to ride on the road in broad daylight and run down from behind
> by a driver whose name they wouldn't even give. I think it is really important we look at that
> story (and every future one) and exactly how it was reported.
>
> Palm Beach Post, November 26th, 2003
>
> A 55-year-old Royal Palm Beach man WAS KILLED Wednesday when A LANDSCAPING TRUCK HIT HIS BICYCLE
> near the intersection of Forest Hill Boulevard and Wellington Trace. Marc Webb died at the scene,
> sheriff's Sgt. John Churchill said.
>
> WEBB WAS PEDALING a reclining bicycle eastbound on Forest Hill just west of Wellington Trace when
> an Eve Landscaping & Maintenance truck struck him from behind at 7:20 a.m., deputies said.
>
> So why all the third person, passive voice, and anonymity for the driver but first person active
> voice for the cyclist? How do you get killed when a truck hits your bike? Neither a truck or your
> bike are animate, neither can kill or die. Here's the way all our English teachers taught us:
>
> Mr. Somebody was driving a landscaping truck eastbound on Forest Hill just west of Washington
> Trace when he struck Marc Webb who was cycling along the shoulder. Mr. Webb died at the scene.
>
> You might say, what's the point? You can sort out what really happened anyway. That is most
> definitely not the point. The point is by writing about the same facts in drastically different
> ways, you write two drastically different stories - just like you would by changing the tone of
> your voice and body language in person. Even using the term pedaling versus cycling conjures up
> someone poking and wobbling along, versus a cyclist - like Lance Armstrong.
>
> The two different stories are:
>
> Blame the cyclist: Marc Webb was pedaling along when an accident caused a truck to hit his bike,
> he then died.
>
> Blame who is at fault: Mr. Somebody failed to see and avoid Marc Webb who was cycling legally in
> broad daylight on an open road. He struck Mr. Webb from behind and killed him.
>
> One would think that in a sane society, we would hold those maneuvering thousands of pounds of
> steel at lethal velocities more liable than those wielding 30 pounds of bike. But when you
> consider that the press's largest form of funding is auto advertising, this is hard to expect. If
> we don't fight it, then everyone will just see us as suicidal road kill on wheels.
>
> Cyclists in the area need to get after the local prosecutor to press charges, and write the
> paper's editor for sounding like a spokesman for the AAA.
iagree the accident deserves bettter investigation and reponsiblity to the driver of vehiclw, but i
dont understand why you thonk the cyclist was riding on the shoulder of the road, or why you would
put that into your version? what makes you think from the newspater article that the cyclist was
riding on he shoulder? he could have been riding in the middle of the lane for some reason, either
to avoid a obstacle or whatever , and in ny legaly so , not sure of florida rules

"Bob Carter" <triketourist@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:NKexb.21484$Rk5.8481@newsread1.....earthlink.net...
> Gotta agree. This has always pissed me off. The same type of example
can
> be found with the recent death of a cyclist at the hands of a recent Miss Florida (or maybe Miss
> America, I can't remember which). When driving I often notice drivers who turn too wide or
> slowly cross
onto
> the shoulder. I make it a point to figure out why and when I catch up to them, 90% of the time
> they are on a cell phone. What I just don't understand is why these folks don't have a hands free
> operation to ensure safety.

I agree totally - even in the most expensive cars the owners haven't put in handsfree around here
(Denmark). And for the record - It's illegal to drive and use a handheld cellphone. Another group is
carpenters, plummers, electricians and others driving their minivans and using the cellphone
professionally..

Sometimes I think nobody gives a ****, but when I'm in a good moode, I know that they're just
plain dumb. :-(

Torben

"Torben Scheel" skrev

> I agree totally - even in the most expensive cars the owners haven't put in handsfree around here
> (Denmark). And for the record - It's illegal to drive and use a handheld cellphone. Another group
> is carpenters, plummers, electricians and others driving their minivans and using the cellphone
> professionally..

Actually I heard of a study that said it made no difference if its handsfree. Trouble is you are
dividing your attention. What really annoys me is people riding bikes and talking or even SMS'ing at
the same time if they are really braindead.

Mikael

"I said it before and I'll say it again". If you want to commit murder don't use a gun or knife! A car is a much more lethal weapon and unless you are legally intoxicated most likely no charge will be filed.
Of course you can alway file a civil suit for compensatory loss. Money won't replace a loved one killed in an auto. I know from personal experience.

We all drive cars and we all make mistakes. Yes using a cell phone while drving is stupid and dangerous but even without cell phones bikes are in danger of being hit by cars. Blaming the driver might make you feel better but what does it solve. When a car hits a bike a mistake was made. Mistakes will continue to be made. Prosecuting a drver for making a mistake is silly. Face it people the world is dangerous. Get over it.

More info on the accident from another source...

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...,2274520.story

This is absolutely disgusting. South Florida drivers suck !!!

That is a great libeal attitude. Why don't we forgive murders and rapist too. Oh! I forgot we already do. We live in a wonder place ,the U.S., . With great priveledge and rights. With these rights comes great responsibility but no one seems to want to accept that. I do agree the world is dangerous and people were getting killed long before cars were invented but if individuals were made more accountable and made to believe that such things as driving is a priveledge and not a given right the world might be a safer place. By the way you never get over the loss of a child. I Know.

From that article it appears the driver was 78 years old. I would assume age played a factor in
the accident.

// Bicyclist dies after being hit and dragged by truck

A 55-year-old old man riding a custom-made bicycle on Forest Hill Boulevard was struck and killed by
a motorist Wednesday morning, sheriff's investigators said.

Loreto Sopena, 78, of West Palm Beach, who was driving a landscaping pickup with a trailer attached,
was turning right onto Wellington Trace when he rear-ended bicylist Marc Webb, investigators said.

Webb, of Royal Pam Beach, was run over by both the pickup and the trailer, then dragged several
feet, officials said. He died at the scene. Authorities said alcohol and speed were not factors in
the crash.

Boca Raton //

In Florida, cyclists are considered a menace:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...0,553367.story

I am not taking the cell phone operators or idiot drivers position here, but can someone explain the
difference between a passenger talking to the driver and a hands free set? The last comment would
lead me to believe that we should also outlaw passengers as they are a distraction as well?

Ben

"Mikael Seierup" <briangoebbels@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:bq4hf1$1tj0fm$1@ID-169681.news.uni-berlin.de...
>
> "Torben Scheel" skrev
>
> > I agree totally - even in the most expensive cars the owners haven't put
in
> > handsfree around here (Denmark). And for the record - It's illegal to
drive
> > and use a handheld cellphone. Another group is carpenters, plummers, electricians and others
> > driving their minivans and using the cellphone professionally..
>
> Actually I heard of a study that said it made no difference if its
handsfree.
> Trouble is you are dividing your attention. What really annoys me is people riding bikes and
> talking or even SMS'ing at the same time if they are really braindead.
>
> Mikael

swamprun wrote:

> In Florida, cyclists are considered a menace:
>
> http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...0,553367.story

"Cyclists think they have a right to be considered vehicles, Doner said."

ExcUUUUUUUse me.... They *think*? I must be awfully spoiled in California, then, because bicycles
*are* considered vehicles and have to obey all traffic laws or can be cited.

--
I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much. -
Mother Teresa

Allow me to clarify my point. I didn't intend to imply that cell phones kill cyclists. I only made
the observation that using one hand on the cell and one on the steering wheel results in a small
percentage of control loss. Especially if the car has a manual transmission as mine does. A hands
free operation enables the driver to keep both hands on the wheel. The distraction of a
conversation I don't believe has any effect on driving ability. I tend to concentrate in situations
of heavy traffic to my driving and not to my passengers conversations. However there still is the
problem of dialing, answering, etc. Yes I know the same concept applies when tuning the radio or
searching for a music cd, using an electric razor, etc, however the cell problem has become an
epidemic which can be somewhat solved with the hand free earpiece. I don't understand why everyone
doesn't go hands free.

"Ben" <b.eadie@telusSPAMBALLS.net> wrote in message news:ERpxb.186325$jy.79210@clgrps13...
> I am not taking the cell phone operators or idiot drivers position here,
but
> can someone explain the difference between a passenger talking to the
driver
> and a hands free set? The last comment would lead me to believe that we should also outlaw
> passengers as they are a distraction as well?
>
> Ben
>
> "Mikael Seierup" <briangoebbels@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:bq4hf1$1tj0fm$1@ID-169681.news.uni-berlin.de...
> >
> > "Torben Scheel" skrev
> >
> > > I agree totally - even in the most expensive cars the owners haven't
put
> in
> > > handsfree around here (Denmark). And for the record - It's illegal to
> drive
> > > and use a handheld cellphone. Another group is carpenters, plummers, electricians and others
> > > driving their minivans and using the cellphone professionally..
> >
> > Actually I heard of a study that said it made no difference if its
> handsfree.
> > Trouble is you are dividing your attention. What really annoys me is people riding bikes and
> > talking or even SMS'ing at the same time if they are really braindead.
> >
> > Mikael

"Ben" skrev...
> I am not taking the cell phone operators or idiot drivers position here, but can someone explain
> the difference between a passenger talking to the driver and a hands free set? The last comment
> would lead me to believe that we should also outlaw passengers as they are a distraction as well?

http://www.bobcerullo.com/Articles/CellPhones.htm

Addresses some pros and cons and the passenger thing.

M