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Posted on 05/13/2008 11:32:36 AM PDT by JZelle
Leather jackets will mingle with pin-stripped suits today when motorcycle clubs arrive at the State House to see their driving-safety bill signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley.
The bill will impose a six-month suspension, a $1,000 fine or both on drivers who injure or kill somebody by violating road right-of-way laws.
Members of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, or ABATE, of Maryland have fought for the past five years to pass the legislation, but were largely unsuccessful until this year, when the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration supported it.
The fight became personal in 2006 after the driver of a sport utility vehicle was involved in an accident that killed their former state director, Martin Leo Schultz.
"As things would have it, we proceeded on with the bill," said Gary R. "Pappy" Boward, chairman of ABATE of Maryland Inc. "Everyone was getting very involved legislatively, this was [Mr. Schultz's] assignment."
Mr. Boward said many bikers were disappointed when the person who struck Mr. Schultz received a minimal fine — less than $100 — and no other penalty.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Hooligan ping.
I love how it only became important after a government official lost his life. All are equal, right?
MM
****I love how it only became important after a government official lost his life. All are equal, right?***
Was he a State Government official or simply the Director of the Bikers’ ABATE movement? Article doesn’t make it clear.
I think he was the former state director of ABATE and not a gov. official.
Does this mean bikers are going to have to start obeying traffic laws like not zooming through backups in between lanes?
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That’s not illegal in all states. It’s certainly not illegal in California.
Lane sharing isn't a violation of the traffic laws in many states.
“Lane sharing isn’t a violation of the traffic laws in many states.”
I hear you! I drove to a Red Sox game in Boston once during rush hour. There was lots of lane sharing going on!
That’s not necessarily illegal.
Does anyone know what the previous penalty, as written in their law books, was for right-of-way violations? Obviously it wasn't enough, but what was it?
And this new law is $hit lame, weak, and useless without jail time. ABATE should be ashamed they let the state get away with a fine and suspension only. T-bonning is now $1000.00 in that state. Oh gee. I'm scared now.
Speeding in a construction zone costs more and you don't even have to hit anyone.
that is not illegal in some states like california.
The issue is to get recognition of the violation of the right of way.
Up to this point it was not seen as an issue. The little old lady who “did not see the motorcycle” until she was pulled over by the police and forced to look at the blood stains under her car will not be allowed to pass as before.
Now you have the voice, NEXT you push up the punishment.
They should be congradulated for getting the law to this point. Last time I checked they were not “just going to go home and do nothing.”
Certainly drivers not looking for bikes (of any kind) is a problem. I would also note that motorcyclists are hardly better then Cadillac drivers (the most disconnected drivers on the road IMHO) when it comes to respecting the right of way of bicyclists.
Well, do have to admit that it seems this wasn't even a crime before.
Then looking back at Gov Janklows (SD) running a stop sign, t-boning and killing a biker, then receiving 100 days in jail WAS a big deal. Who knew??
Pffffft :-)
be serious, now the mission is to up the penalties.
(it took at least three days to build rome)
Then looking back at Gov Janklows (SD) running a stop sign, t-boning and killing a biker,
The biker T-boned the Governor’s car drivers side rear door. A chance millisecond sooner, and they probably would both be dead.
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