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