On 2016-06-10 07:54, Duane wrote:
On 10/06/2016 10:28 AM, Joerg wrote:
On 2016-06-07 21:56, Sir Ridesalot wrote:
"KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Newschannel 3 has learned
that at least five people have been killed on North Westnedge, near
Markin Glen Park, just north of Kalamazoo, after a group of
bicyclists were struck from behind by a blue Chevy pickup truck.
It happened around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening.
All of those killed were bicyclists riding down the road when a
pickup truck came up behind them, and struck the group."
More here
http://wwmt.com/news/local/multiple-...illed-in-crash
Condolences to the victims' families and friends.
Very sad.
One question is whether we will ever hear the results of the
investigation. Such as lane positions, lighting of the riders,
visibility, level of intoxication of the driver, speed of the truck, and
so on.
Without such follow-up it's hard to learn from these case. I have even
seen people flat-out deny that it was a non-intersection lane case in a
similar deadly crash here in Sacramento. No follow-up info as usual,
zero, but it all points to a cyclist having been in the left lane (two
per direction) preparing to turn off somewhere when a drunk driver in a
truck smashed into her and killed her.
Read the report. It was not an intersection and they were apparently on
the shoulder.
Please quote where it said that.
This has nothing to do with lane position or bike lanes or cycling
classes or anything to do with the cyclists. This has to do with some
asshole murdering 5 people and injuring several more who were just
riding their bikes. The only question to me is whether it was
intentional (1st degree murder) or not (second degree murder), otherwise
the rest is irrelevant.
It is not. This driver was obvious intoxicated or otherwise out of his
mind but most of the time their reaction is simply so delayed that when
they see something in front of them it's too late. Not necessarily so if
the truck still fits through. Possibly he had veered off the road in
which case staying on the shoulder would not have helped at all. My
point is: We do not know that and there is typically no follow-up
publication.
What is there to learn here? Maybe if it was drunk driving and the guy
had priors or maybe if the guy was psychotic and off his meds. But from
the riders' points of view what is there to learn?
A lot. Just one example: I found that the number of times I got into
critical situations because of inattentive (or possibly soused) drivers
has greatly dropped off since I have bright lighting. One of the reasons
is simple. If a driver, especially a drunk one, sees red flashing lights
in the distance one of the first reactions will likely be "Oh no, cops!"
which in many cases will make them slow down.
--
Regards, Joerg
http://www.analogconsultants.com/