Deputy kills 2, 1 in critical cond.

[snapdragen]

That's a bit harsh don't you think? It looks like a horrible accident, my hearts go out to all involved.

[mimitabby]

It's a bit ironic, there was a bit in our local paper about how police officers routinely go through red lights. (we have red light cameras now) A percentage of them were excused but most of the infractions were simply police not wanting to wait for the light to change.

I wouldn't be surprised if that deputy wasn't driving much too fast for the conditions.

[rij73]

That's terrible... It's the same accident being discussed in the thread called "Reality Check"

[snapdragen]

Most recent article says the deputy may have fallen asleep.

[trinena]

here's a link to an article. Matt Peterson was a member of Roaring Mouse Cycles(SF) and Kristy Gough was a pro triathlete.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...ed=rss.bayarea

http://www.roaringmousecycles.com/ga...omer-road/Matt

[Grog]

I'm really feeling sick. This is awful.

[melissam]

Ditto to what Grog said. This is terrible. My heart goes out to the family & friends of all involved, including the deputy.

[Trek420]

Most recent article says the deputy may have fallen asleep.

Bet he's awake now According to news he is very sad and remorseful.

Watching NBC 11 right now, they start with a mention "they were riding where there was no bike lane " camera cuts back to show the scene with a wide marked shoulder.

He could have just as well hit a car with 3 occupants as the cyclists. Would media have implied the driver was at fault then "well, they were driving in that other lane"

[EDHGirl]

He was just starting his shift. I'm not buying the fell asleep excuse. I would however put a buck on the fact that he was using his onboard computer when this happened and missed a turn in the road. I've got a brother who's a cop and he says close calls happen all the time because cops are typing with one hand and driving with the other.

Really tragic.

[KSH]

How horrible and tragic. My heart goes out to the cyclists families. How very sad. They didn't have a chance.

As for the officer... well, let's face it, people in cars hit cyclists all the time and everyone blames the cyclist... it's NEVER the fault of the driver in the car. AND even if it is... no one cares. "Oh well, so what... he plowed down people on bikes... they deserved it."

If he killed a family in a car, there would be serious charges brought against him. Since he hit cyclist, it's OK. *rolls her eyes*

I wish they would view people on bikes as if they were driving cars and throw the book at people who kill people on bikes.

[kerrybelle]

It's a bit ironic, there was a bit in our local paper about how police officers routinely go through red lights. (we have red light cameras now) A percentage of them were excused but most of the infractions were simply police not wanting to wait for the light to change.

I wouldn't be surprised if that deputy wasn't driving much too fast for the conditions.

DH & I were hit by an officer, who went through a red light with NO sirens, responding to a call. There was 2 inches of fresh snow on the ground and the officer said he stopped and checked the intersection before proceeding. So, please tell me how he then got to 40 mph before hitting us in the intersection?! Oh and we were driving my brand new Blazer at the time, not even 30 day old!

Yes, I wouldn't hesitate to say that this officer was traveling too fast for the conditions, also.

My hearts & prayers go out the families involved!