Drone causes crash during california criterium

http://road.cc/content/news/222273-video-drone-causes-spectacular-crash-criterium-california

Pics and video at the link.

View: https://youtu.be/ZRyQ1FnxK74

 

WOW that is nuts, this is why we need laws to stop drone drivers.

 

LOL! Well played!

 

Do you think it's ok they're driving them in the wheels of cyclists?

 

Absolutely not! But, I'm guessing that expensive drone was not crashed on purpose. It was probably someone video recording the race and it got out of control.

It sounded like you were making a play on 'drunk drivers'.

 

I found some more info on the crash. The drome was a Dji model that cost $500 minimum and as much as $1000 depending on the camera gear installed. I really doubt anyone is going to toss away $500 just to see a cyclist crash.

The drone hit a tree, causing the operator to lose control.

Drone operator came forward after the crash and offered to buy the ride a new wheel & helmet or a new bike, depending on which is true.

http://www.grindtv.com/bike/drone-s...pectacular-fashion-video/#bLf3JhQudIGdHPRA.97

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/th...e-race-is-every-cyclists-nightmare-2017-05-09

 

What a freak accident! I'm glad the cyclist wasn't seriously injured. Kudos to the pilot for taking responsibility and offering to compensate the guy for damages.
I operate a Phantom drone commercially myself. Most commercial operators do not have an FAA waiver to fly over a congregation of people. The congregation in this case it was the cyclists. I'm not certain the pilot was flying over them this time. I think he was off to the side. If he had been over them he wouldn't have hit the tree. This incident has received a lot of press, but after going through 12 pages of google searches looking for another incident like this I couldn't find another story about a drone hitting cyclist. However, I did find a video of a guy hitting a deer not too far from the Golden Gate Bridge. Horrible crash. I would be more worried about hitting wildlife than a drone.

 

Or a drunk deer operating a drone.

 

Seems like some drone operators need to be playing it more safe. As nice as an aerial video shot is, its not worth causing a crash. Gotta pay attention on the bike 100% of the time for sure!