Police office slams into a couple on a bike

[ablumny]

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2013/09/11/11/41/police-car-slams-into-couple-on-bike

 

Insane

[playboy]

I see the trooper declined comment Was really expecting it to be some local officer not a fully trained state trooper.

[tz89]

I suppose he was texting? Or is this a reminder to convert to LEDs and lots of them?

[JohnT]

I suppose he was texting? Or is this a reminder to convert to LEDs and lots of them?

to both ideas. LOTS and lots of light. And if I am their attorney I want the cell phone log.

[Huggy]

Well the bike was obviously visible and there is absolutely no reason for the trooper to hit them. I doubt if more lights would have made any difference. He was more then likely distracted and NOT watching the road in front of him.

 

[midnightventure]

I bet he was on his computer.

[dacheedah]

I see the trooper declined comment Was really expecting it to be some local officer not a fully trained state trooper.

 

Ohhhhhhh OK, nothin against the highway guys but us City Cops ARE well trained!!! We just deal with more real crimes. . .

[IronMike]

Ohio State Troopers amongst the best in the nation. We all have had a bad day at work. In that line of work obviously a small mistake is a big disaster!

 

I guarantee you. He did not get into his car to hunt down a biker.

 

His job pretty much IS distracted driving running radar and such. As a truck driver I get a look into their cars as they pass and in 30 years I've never seen one on a phone.

 

Bikes get rear ended a lot. No excuse for his act. I'm just saying he did not aim to do it any more than we would aim to forget to put a sidestand down . Our any of the other mistakes we can make that lead to disaster.

 

For the pride they have of being professional I'm surprised he's still working and didn't jump off a cliff for such a careless act.

 

I hope there is more to the story.

 

But what we. Need to take from this is a lesson of increased visibility.

 

First increase your lighting from all sides. I even have side lights.

Second. Try for a trunk or high mount brake light.

Third. A flashing brake light that flashes 3 to 5 times and goes solid. In some states its no legal but who cares. I never heard of anyine getting a ticket for it.

Fourth. Add reflectors tgat catch light from different angles. Some of the tape blends in pretty good by day but really noticeable at night.

 

And lastly. Your bike has six sides. The most important is the space you are moving into and the second most important is the things that are moving into your space.

 

A crash happens when two vehicles try to occupy the same space.

 

In this case the biker could and should have noticed the car closing too fast from the rear.... he should have flashed his brake lights and if the car did not slow down he should have taken his out. (the shoulder)

 

I would think in this case trooper was fixed on where radar was aiming and biker was fixed on looking out for wildlife. Easy mistakes on both accounts that neither will ever make again.

 

Try not to judge the trooper so much but learn from the video.

 

Increase your visibility especially at night. With the use of extra lighting. Reflectors and reflective clothing.

And not only be mindful of the space you're moving into but also whats moving into you from all six sides. (Top & bottom are the other two) because you can always be Dead Right and these two almost were.

 

Smith system.

Aim high in steering. (Look way ahead)

Get the big picture. (See all of what you're looking at.)

Keep your eyes moving. (This means mirrors too every few seconds)

Leave yourself and out. (Where will I go if something happens)

Make sure they see you. (In this case flash of brake lights. If no reaction to them use your out. )

 

Ive seen the video 100 times. Very chilling. Every time.

[spear]

"The couple, who were heading out for a date to get coffee, has credited their survival to their helmets and said they harbour no ill feelings toward the trooper that rear-ended them."

Too forgiving. I'd be suing his butt right off him, then suing his employer.

Absolutely no excuse (and I'm a retired LEO!)

[Sylvester]

"The couple, who were heading out for a date to get coffee, has credited their survival to their helmets and said they harbour no ill feelings toward the trooper that rear-ended them."

Too forgiving. I'd be suing his butt right off him, then suing his employer.

Absolutely no excuse (and I'm a retired LEO!)

 

I am sure that the lawyers will be involved by now. I was a deputy years ago but hope that all turns out well for the couple and the trooper. It will be a very stressful time for all.

 

[sandman]

Assigning any fault to the biker is absurd. He appears to be traveling along with traffic. Alot of times you cant see in the mirrors. High beams blinding you and other things in front of you to name a few. The officer is traveling at a high rate of speed. Why didn't he stop immediately instead of continuing? I certainly don't want him back on the road I'm on. We just had a off duty trooper run off the road and kill a 16yr old and cripple another boy with him while pushing a mini bike to gas station. He was on phone and running 30 over posted speed(according to police dept). prolly alot more. Another officer just killed himself in a one vehicle roll over accident, on a straight road. Clearly there is a problem.

[playboy]

Ohhhhhhh OK, nothin against the highway guys but us City Cops ARE well trained!!! We just deal with more real crimes. . .

 

 

 

Didn't mean any offense to well trained city LEO's I was referring to some of our locals and other small towns who will hire anyone who is willing to wear the badge without any certification. I failed to make that clear in my response to the post.

 

My apologies

 

Vincent

[IronMike]

Well im sure a large settlement is in order for pain and suffering. No one likes to see this happen from either side. Best thing is. To learn from the mistake. Thise that were involved and everyone who sees the video. Light it up.

 

Btw I just rode past the scene of the accident.

[Snarley Bill]

to err is to be human. i'm sure we have all made mistakes that either have or could have caused serious injury or death to others. it's called an accident. they have been happening since the beginning of time. some folks are to quick to judge others.