Riders & Drivers WHY?????? (((pic)))?

Question

As a NYS firefighter I see this happen way to frequently. Accidents in the spring between bikes and cars/trucks. Why???

Drivers, why are you not paying attention

Riders, why are you disobeying the rules of the road

I am sick of cleaning up your dead bodies. Please give me and the general public some ideas on how to cut down on these avoidable accidents.

http://www.strangevehicles.com/images/content/102096.jpg

Answer 1

It is a similar situation between cars and big rigs - the disparity in size and performance...I'm faster, quicker and can go places you can't - nah, nah!...Add this to a very competitive attitude and a feeling of invincibility and we will do some unbelievably stupid things with our vehicles...When I get behind the wheel, 2 things happen - 1. I become the vehicle (I weigh over 2000 lbs and have over 100 hp under my right foot) and 2. my vehicle becomes me (with all my attitudes, emotions, physical abilities and everything else I am)...Unfortunately, until the human is taken out of the driver's seat, the horrendous death and destruction on the roads and highways will continue.

Thank you for your service.

Answer 2

Not having all the information,   the picture leads me to believe someone was on the wrong side of the double orange line.    

There is a lot of inattention and distractions in todays drivers and vehicles.    Add to that impatience and juvenile immaturity,   and wrecker drivers,   firefighters,  police,   and body shops have a lot of job security.    

Sorry about the bad news,   but we do need to get serious about safety.

Answer 3

I'm with Vette; if you can't handle your job then you need to quit, period.

Answer 4

From what i could've seen on your pic this is both riders as well as drivers fault. It is clear that the old truck and Bo's bike were in the wrong lanes despite the fact there are two full stripes in the middle of the road. It's clear that those two were speeding as well.

It's all in the heads of those who start the ride or the drive. How to help them? For one you can start a two steps campaign:

1. Raise concience on the roads - I think the picture you have here seems like just the right one to be aired, put on billboards etc. It is not so explicit, so it can be rated suitable for kids who are passengers and might see it as well. Well it's only my rating of the pic, psychologist or some kind of council should approve it.

2. Put more road patrols on visible spots of the road - prefferably a chain of 3-4 control points set in let's say 20 miles range. I say this because many ppl just after they cross one patrol start the speeding thinking "woahaa i've passed the control it's over now".

Another thing that can be done is this (I think I've read it somewhere Italians implemented this):

Put cameras and record the plates and the time on payrolls. Then let the computer calculate the average speed (time/length = avg. speed) of the particular vehicle between the two points.

Not really sure how privacy rights movements will react on this, but am sure there is a way to get it done.

Answer 5

OMG, I praise you on your job, well done for trying to keep people safe,

Answer 6

People suck.

End of story.

Answer 7

At least Paul made it as I can see.. (???)

It's sad, and it happens everywhere.

And the saddest is that even people that had nothing to do with the accident, often get killed or handicaped...

Oh God, why can't you find another job if you can't handle it?

It's a very rough job to do.

You're heroes...

Answer 8

I agree that the both the drivers and the motorcyclists dont pay attention but at the same time the cyclists are the biggest problems.

1. They do not follow the traffic laws for vehicles when operating a bicycle. Instead,

    a) they may use the traffic laws for pedestrians and thus ride on the sidewalks or the wrong way on the streets,

    b) they may follow the traffic code for vehicles part of the time but not all of the time,

    c) they may adopt a policy of hiding from motor vehicles rather than riding in the traffic lanes,

    d) they may be guerrilla cyclists deliberately breaking the law,

    e) or they just might not think about how they are behaving.

2. They don't have lights mounted on their bikes when riding at night.

3. They ride along in the gutter or weave in and out between cars.

4. They don't pay attention to nearby vehicles.

5. They haven't learned how to control their bicycles effectively.

6. They panic when motor vehicles approach.

7. They don't keep the bike in sound mechanical condition.

8. They ride when too tired (or even drunk) to do so safely.

Answer 9

Where I live its a problem between Vehicles and Cyclists.  I see so many cyclists weaving in and out of traffic and running red lights.  It's really sad to see news of accidents and the protesters come out rallying for more protection by  the city for them.  I just don't know what more thy want.  It's already an inconvenience having them everywhere.

Answer 10

its our society no one thinks about anyone but themselves

Answer 11

I don't drive, but it not only cars/trucks.

Sometimes, public transit and pedestrian gets involve.

I agree with Doktor and bungee.

1. Drivers do not pay attention, especially people with cell phone, text messaging, eating while their driving.

2. They do not respect for any vehicle.

In NYC, fire trucks and ambulances responding to call was hit by car because car driver did not yell to emergency vehicle.

Another thing, there was NYCT Express Bus which was going SB on Manhattan's FDR Drive where bus lost control and send 20 passengers onboard flying to dashboard (except bus driver) and news reporters believe that bus driver was trying to avoid ahead car that were shifting lanes.

For me, police officers, Highway Troopers and State Troopers need to improve the safety issue.

In NYC, there are street camera and red light cameras installed.

Also, make video about safety issue and why it is important to obey law.