I get your point, I think.
These parades generally go down the street a ways.
It would take quite a bit of work to do what you’re saying to do on both sides of the street for the length of the parade route.
You have to realize thousands of these types of events take place across this nation several times a year. This is one accident, although a terrible one.
How can you plan for that without massive over-reaction?
I don’t think your idea is wrong-headed, but I’m not sure it’s practical.
You have a small town, and limited resources.
Who would think someone would barrel through at 50 mph?
drunkenness or being drugged behind a machine like a car is a no win situation for all....its still a accident...
the deciding factor for me would to know the history of this woman.....was she a drunk?...a druggee?....was she on other meds?....
I posted the reply in the hopes of stimulating the brain cells of others. It worked. I got your attention not that yours weren’t working in the first instance; but that means there is hope for others. I won’t reply to every point you mentioned.
“You have to realize thousands of these types of events take place across this nation several times a year. This is one accident, although a terrible one.”
Maybe a State Fair Parade in Oklahoma is a small affair, I have no idea. But the frequency of these incidents occurs at a higher level than you seem to imply. Closures of streets for street fairs have been the scenes of similar incidents with minimal safety precautions in place. Multiples of lives have been lost and injuries suffered as a result. Generally as a result of inadequate planning for the worst case scenario. One elderly driver in California killed multiple people and injured many others due to operator error. Never mind the issue of intoxicants.
“I don’t think your idea is wrong-headed, but I’m not sure it’s practical.”
It needn’t have been concrete K-Rail. But apparently no one gave a thought to the inadequacy of the placement of a motorcycle, police presence or not. Explain the practicality of that action. Construction pylons and or wooden barricades wouldn’t have worked either. I haven’t looked at the location on a map but large well lit barricades with flashing lights set off from the parade route a block to either side beats a motorcycle.
“You have a small town, and limited resources.”
Innocent lives on one side, cost on the other. Is the scale in balance now?
“Who would think someone would barrel through at 50 mph?”
Me. Didn’t you?
I’ve driven while in that condition in my youth and couldn’t remember how I got from A to B. I and others who were in the vicinity of my path were lucky. I learned the lesson without experiencing the horror which might have resulted from that act. Having had that experience I look for the dangers others pose and prepare ahead of time to hopefully avoid the consequences of their presence.
I questioned myself about the appropriateness of my response on this thread; but the thought of not mentioning protective options for the consideration and enlightenment of others outweighed the risk of criticism. Who knows? But someone involved in the planning of events might read what I wrote and having done so initiate additional protective measures as a result. Lives and limbs saved, anguish avoided. Just a tip to the unwise and unobservant. Among whose ranks you are not a member.