Two Cyclists Cling to Life; Teen Accused of DUI

[MM_QFC!]

To me it's the shocking attitude that without even admitting wrongdoing "well, other people are even worse".

So that means as long as we're not the worst example of any wrong behavior it's ok? I slow at a red light and hit a pedestrian "well, other riders don't even slow down" so that makes it ok.

What part of don't drink and drive don't they understand?

Two people and the lives of all their family and friends are changed forever and it's "well she's not as bad as Suzie or Joe, they don't even have a cuppa coffee first". Does that make these riders any better off that their assailent could have been a little more drunk? Are MM_QFC and her partner a little less injured because some drivers are even more distracted and irresponsible.

Can't agree with you all any more than I already do...I've been following the progress (and luckily it IS progress) of these 2 women, as they were hit/hurt soon after I was...it was kinda too close to home, y'know?
No, I wasn't airlifted away and certainly didn't suffer the severe injuries that both of these CA riders did, but my life has been completely affected by the ditwad driver who hit me, that's for sure. In addition to numerous sprains, strains, lacerations, deep contusions, I suffered a concussion and have a neuro-rehab ALL-DAY (oh joy ) assessment at the UW after I return from providing road support to my rider buddies in the Empire State AIDS ride soon. Yes, I'm grateful to be alive, but I'd rather be riding, as I've always done, thank you very much...
In my view (which was the same before I was hit as now), EVERY person who gets behind the wheel of any vehicle and drives it out on the road, has the responsibility to operate it with due care, and NOT:
- be under the influence
- inattentive/pre-occupied
- speeding (in addition, she knew that her brakes were bad per her statement to police - sigh )
- failing to yield to cyclists/pedestrians in a signed, painted crosswalk
- distracted (on cell phone, reaching into back seat, etc)

the driver who hit me is guilty of ALL of the above...nice, eh? Whew!

I hope you all continue to enjoy safe, fun rides!
Tailwinds!
Mary

[TahoeDirtGirl]

My husband (soon to be preceeded with ex) is a CHP sgt. I can't tell you how frustrating it is for them to see this when it's in a bike lane. A BIKE LANE! He has been to several accidents involving bicyclists where it involved riding the white line, but when it's something as blatant as this, it is worse. Here is a lane that is supposed to give cars their full lane and bicyclists safe in their own lane. Money was spent to do this.

Added to that, what is a teenager doing driving drunk during the day????

If I have drank even two sips of wine I refuse to drive. I just don't drink. I have probably driven all of 3 times with half a beer in me. And I know I'm not drunk, I just don't take the chance. I've been awaken too many times in the middle of the night from DUI accidents to know that it's just something that isn't worth flirting with. I think those "Bloody Asphalt" movies in high school convinced me of that. Do they do the "Every 15 seconds" things in El Dorado Hills? They do up at the lake, and I think it helped kids realize they need to take driving and drinking seriously...but there are always those few that just don't *get it*

I hope the two cyclists make a full recovery...