How is it that a driver can get a ticket for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, but a driver recklessly running into a building doesn't? More importantly, how can a driver get a ticket for following too closely, but not for fatally hitting a cyclist from behind?
There appears to be a focus on DUIs when it comes to getting tickets around Virginia Beach. Just yesterday, local Hall of Fame inductee, Bruce Smith, of the Washington Redskins, was arrested for DUI — for the third time. There’s a lot of temptation to drink here, as bars line the streets. But the woman who hit Hersh, passed a blood-alcohol test and there was no sign she was distracted, according to commonwealth attorney, Bryant.
Except that she hit from behind a cyclist who was wearing a helmet and a yellow windbreaker with reflective stripes. Yet the driver has stated that she never saw the bicyclist. Would the same excuse exonerate a driver who hit another car from behind? Hardly.
I have to agree with Hardman’s point of view. I mean, a life was lost. Sure, the driver involved in an accident of this nature is somewhat punished by their own guilt, but that may not send the right message to everyone. What about those who have little remorse to begin with? Would a mere misdemeanor not be warranted?
I met Hardman weeks ago and he seemed intent on listening to others. Perhaps Hardman is the best man to get justice for the cyclists' rough road to freedom in Eastern Virginia, since he is a former national collegiate cycling champion, but he may be fighting for his own justice, as well; he was fired from his prosecutor job in the neighboring city of Portsmouth, after announcing his bid for Virginia Beach commonwealth’s attorney.
Article comments
1 - Mark C. Hardman
Larry,
Could not find your email address. Please read the linked article in the URL box.
2 - PGB
Lets be serious folks. Although nobody deserves to die in an unfortunate event, the truth must be told that cyclists think they rule the road. They have no concept or understanding of the rules of the road. They also should learn to share the road with motorists. On more occassions,cyclists are the ones going in and out of lanes and not following the rules of the road or traffic signs.not to mention the attitude that comes with it. If motorists need a license to drive on the road, so should cyclists. My sympathy and condolences to the friends and family of the deceased.
3 - Larry Estes
The preventative measures must be holistic, involving all parts of the problem. Enforcing cyclists to get a license might help, as might a similar program for pedestrians like something I would label "Defensive Walking."