Big bike wreck

[Top Cat]

There is way to much of this inattention going on with drivers today.
If you are texing, talking on the phone, doing your nails, shuffling your paper work, putting on your make up, spilling your freekin coffee that you didn't get up early enough to drink at home, etc and you kill someone, you should do jail time. I'm not talkin weekends in jail for a couple months, I'm talkin serious jail time.
I don't know if that would deter others but it would keep the ones doing the damage off the streets for awhile.

[cactusjack]

On the local news they just interviewed the only survivor of the crash that has been released from the hospital. He said they were all lined up like ducks, somebody hollered "watch out!" and then wham! 2 are still in critical condition, 3 are listed in serious condition as of today.

[Cajunrider]

I just read that one of the bikers killed was Stephen Punch, 52 of Lockport, LA. That is about 28 miles from my home. I'm not familiar with the name. He could have been originally from somewhere else and living in Lockport. I suppose they are still investigating as to why he didn't stop.

[cactusjack]

I just heard on our local news that a 4th rider has died. They are saying the truck driver has a long history of moving violations and equipment violations. I hope he has good insurance coverage, but I'll bet he probably doesn't.

There is a solidarity ride tomorrow and bikers from all over the valley are going to be riding to raise money for the accident victims. I'd like to go, but I'm on call and have to stick around the house.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Mac posted a video of the aftermath on Off Nomad Topics.

I keep a close eye on my rear view mirrors when riding and when stopped. That is your best defense from anything behind you.

[cactusjack]

I'm so pissed right now, one of the local news outlets made a big deal out of the fact that these riders hadn't been drinking. They checked out the place they had eaten lunch (their last stop before the crash) and found out that "they all drank iced tea" with their meals. As if that has anything at all to do with this situation. Stone cold sober or falling down drunk, these bikers did nothing to deserve their fate. It makes me sick how they try to shift blame to the victims.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I'm so pissed right now, one of the local news outlets made a big deal out of the fact that these riders hadn't been drinking. They checked out the place they had eaten lunch (their last stop before the crash) and found out that "they all drank iced tea" with their meals. As if that has anything at all to do with this situation. Stone cold sober or falling down drunk, these bikers did nothing to deserve their fate. It makes me sick how they try to shift blame to the victims.

Letter to the Editor or Email to the news station would be appropriate stating that Scott.
That's what I do in situations like that around here.

[dantama]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I'm so pissed right now, one of the local news outlets made a big deal out of the fact that these riders hadn't been drinking.

So the assumption is that they were probably drinking, and then they have to announce that they weren't. I'll bet if it was a truck and just cars, they wouldn't go to where the cars had lunch to see if they were drinking.

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I hope he has good insurance coverage, but I'll bet he probably doesn't.

20 years ago in Utah, commercial trucks had to have $750,000 insurance. So they might get something.

In the wreck that I got in, in the broken bones thread, the lady had $20,000 of insurance and I had $60,000 in medical bills, lost wages, and a lifetime of pain. I wish it was a commercial truck that hit me.

[dantama]

Originally Posted by AlabamaNomadRider

Mac posted a video of the aftermath on Off Nomad Topics.

It doesn't open for me, but just in case it does for the rest of you.

Originally Posted by macmac

http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Multiple-motorcycles-truck-involved-in-wreck-on-Carefree-Highway-8914 9257.html

I always try to keep an eye on all the cars around me, even when moving down a freeway. It's kind of like a running list of all the other players who are on the field of play.

I usually know that the dark SUV that I passed on a multilane road is now one lane over, and a red car is coming up where he was etc.

Sometimes I'm stopped and look in the mirror and see something I don't expect; like, "How the hell did that gold Honda Accord get behind me?" I realize that I totally spaced the whole game out, and daydreamed while a whole new car got behind me since I last looked, and I didn't even pay attention at the light when stopping.

I usually know who is in what lane all around me, so when I space out so bad that I totally miss what is there, even as I'm already sitting at a stop, it shocks me back to my senses, and I'm vigilant again. Could have been the same for the guys in this wreck, who knows? Could have been any of us, if caught on one of the day dreaming ones I mentioned.

[cactusjack]

Dan,

All vehicles are required to have insurance in AZ, too. That doesn't mean they actually do. This drivers long history of traffic citations and equipment and safety violations lead me to believe he probably doesn't "play by the rules". In any case, the medical expenses alone are going to run into the millions, and I'm sure the lawsuits that are to follow would bankrupt many small companies, let alone a self-employed owner/operator.

Btw, here's a link to video from the crash (warning, this was breaking news at the time, and they didn't have the facts yet):
http://www.azcentral.com/video/#/New...01/73899650001

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I'm so pissed right now, one of the local news outlets made a big deal out of the fact that these riders hadn't been drinking. They checked out the place they had eaten lunch (their last stop before the crash) and found out that "they all drank iced tea" with their meals. As if that has anything at all to do with this situation. Stone cold sober or falling down drunk, these bikers did nothing to deserve their fate. It makes me sick how they try to shift blame to the victims.

I suppose no one checked to see where the truck driver ate lunch; and whether he had a "drink"... or drugs.

I am with you CJ... you should let the station know that was a stupid report... and ask why their reporters haven't done more regarding the idiot that hit these people.

I am p!ssed-off too.

[ccmjr77]

This happened about 10 minutes from my house. I have been through the intersection about 5 times since the wreck. The dump truck driver plowed into 8 bikes and 2 cars that were all stopped at a red light. There is a make shift memorial at the corner with dozens, if not hundreds of bandanas, balloons, t-shirts, etc. to honor the victims.
Just be careful out there and keep your eyes open, there are a lot of idiots on the road.

[ccmjr77]

I try to keep a watch of my mirrors when stopped. I also keep the bike in 1st and the hands on clutch and brake. I want to make sure I can move if possible.

[MarkG]

Police say toxicology reports show the truck driver who struck a group of motorcyclists last month was on illegal drugs at the time of the fatal collision. The illegal substance is believed to be methamphetamine.

Jakscht is being booked into MCSO jail tonight and is charged with four counts of manslaughter, five counts of aggravated assault and seven counts of endangerment. When he was arrested today he was high on drugs again.

The Fire captain that was seriously injured is finally becoming more responsive. Let's hope he recovers.

[cactusjack]

I say send him to Florence and let the 81's have at him. I was beginning to wonder if they were ever going to charge the driver. This is good news.