[Torie]

The judge doesn't understand that endangering just one's own life, and no other, can nevertheless be reckless. If the guy had just hit one small pebble on the road, he would be dead. His license to ride a motorcycle should be permanently revoked.

[BagelFace]

Agree. And one never knows who or what is on the road. It the judge's kid was killed, he'd throw the book at that driver, and so would we all.

[jla]

The judge doesn't understand that endangering just one's own life, and no other, can nevertheless be reckless. If the guy had just hit one small pebble on the road, he would be dead. His license to ride a motorcycle should be permanently revoked.

With all due respect, Torie, the same could be said for a helmet-less rider who might ride up and into a pothole, or hit debris on the road. Nevertheless, it is that person's life, and no one should be able to tell him/her how to live it.
If I chose to build a wooden ladder rather than buy a mandated aluminum or plastic one should I be prevented from painting my house?

[spunkets]

"If the guy had just hit one small pebble on the road, he would be dead."

LOL! No!

[thepizzalady]

"...If the guy had just hit one small pebble on the road, he would be dead. His license to ride a motorcycle should be permanently revoked...."

Sorry, but your statement does not make sense. Do you ride a motorcycle? If so, have you ever hit a pothole? There is always debris in the road from litter to car parts which cannot always be avoided. I knew a biker who ran over a dog that ran into the road right in front of him. He rode over the dog without losing control, and the dog survived also. Do you consider people who race bikes reckless also?

I've had a motorcycle license for 35 years although age and infirmities prevent much riding nowadays, I have driven well over 100mph. The only bike accident I ever had was while moving less than 5mph.

[Uriah_lost]

If you are going to start with the "if" you must conclude that ALL driving on ALL roads is "reckless". This is why we have laws, not suggestions. The court has to stick to what the law actually says, not what it can be stretched to fit.

[Cliff Dweller]

If the guy had just hit one small pebble on the road, he would be dead.

Not true. Professional motorcycle racers routinely travel over 200kph, some near 300 kph (~180mph) over gravel and dirt strewn roads (tracks).

It's not the speed that kills, just the (potential) sudden stop.