Posted on 11/26/2005 11:15:52 AM PST by Pharmboy
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (AP) -- A 17-year-old likely will face misdemeanor charges after allegedly losing control of his car while text messaging and hitting a bicyclist.
The bicyclist, Jim R. Price of Highlands Ranch, died Friday, two days after the accident.
"We do not believe it was an intentional act, but it was inattentiveness to the roadway," said Lt. Alan Stanton, spokesman for Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
"The investigation showed that he was text-messaging on his cell phone" at the time of the accident, said Stanton.
The driver could face a charge of careless driving resulting in death, Stanton said. Under Colorado law, the teen could face up to a year in prison.
It was the second time Price, an avid cyclist, had been hit by car. He suffered a broken ankle two years ago when he was hit while riding on a bike path. His wife, Shirley, said he had been especially mindful of cars since then.
Shirley Price wasn't angry with the teen. "I feel sorry for the teenager," she said. "It was a stupid mistake," she told the Rocky Mountain News.
And I bet they're rabid anti smoking, to boot
Good point.
I was floored yesterday when I heard an advertisement on AM radio which starred a terminal lung cancer victim who stated that she NEVER smoked a cigarette in her life and is short lived because of her terminal disease.
Her proclaimed reason for her dire situation is what you ask?
Second hand smoke that she acquired by frequenting bars!
"......His insurance was likely paid up and had not changed the beneficiary yet..."
See my post# 28 in this thread where I predicted the surviving wife may have been secretly happy about this accident. I'm sure crazier things have happened.
~ Blue Jays ~
Oh, a sensible "bicyclists have every right to use the roads as motor vehicles do without concern for how the motor vehicles could endanger them in doing so" advocate.
Bring it on my friend and promote the issuance of "road use" taxes for bicycles so they have ownership of privilege as motorized vehicles do.
We appreciate your concern.
</sarc>
You are wrong, sir.
Although fuel taxes fund most highway expenses, local roads are funded by local taxes. Residents pays these taxes whether they drive an automobile or ride a bicycle.
Just my opinion but it seems counterproductive.
Kinda like smoking while jogging.
How do you propose taxing an adult bicyclist and his or her 18-pound bicycle for their excessive wear and tear on the asphalt? Keep in mind that most avid bicyclists probably drive trucks and cars as well.
People on bicycles and motorcycles recognize they face increased risks for true accidents. This wasn't like "black ice" or something...it could have been easily avoided with a bit of responsibility.
Why are you stridently defending an immature kid who was text messaging on his cellular telephone when the crash occured?
~ Blue Jays ~
That's a very good question.
Perhaps EGPWS can enlighten us all on his unique perspective.
A comforting statement, for I pay dearly for the local school system which I never have used or will never use, so I guess I should show more compassion for the users of roads, which ARE mostly paid for by fuel consumption, even though they are using them with a vehicle not designed for the roads, mess up traffic because of this, and the illegitimate users insist that they get the right of way regardless of the situation at hand because they are the more fragile vehicle.
You really don't know your history.
"Wheelmen" were at the heart of advocacy for road improvements.
More is to be gained personally by doing the commercial as she did.
Many nonsmokers die of lung cancer and many of them who do die of it, meet their demise when they are elderly.
My point being is this is a fact of life that has been brought to light for a political agenda only.
"Wheelmen" were at the heart of advocacy for road improvements.
So?
That's commendable. However, my point was if they will run into huge trains with loud ear piercing horns, and large fire trucks with dozens of lights flashing, they'll easily run over low profile bicycles regardless of what safety devises are used.
I haven't.
So you're statement is complete rubbish.
Bicycles have as much right to the road as you, an Amish buggy, or a slow funeral procession have.
So pay attention, go the damn speed limit, and learn how to share the road.
Yep--I was using the info you provided in my response to him.
"More is to be gained personally by doing the commercial as she did."
Fifteen minutes of fame and little pocket change, eh?
Yeah, I can believe that.
Kinda reminds me of the Sheehan Ghoul.
One time would be enough for me. Anyone riding their bikes on a road meant for cars is asking for trouble. Yes the driver was a fault here, but that doesn't excuse the cyclist from being in a position where he can easily become road kill.
This is what drivers need to get through their thick heads... local roads are not meant EXCLUSIVELY for cars.
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