AAA comment on Motorcycle Right of Way Laws

[dgfella]

I came across this article from the AAA magazine that I get with membership.

AAA Red Light - Green Light Awards

The specific section is:

"Wrong Way"

"While fatalities in passenger cars fell in 2005, the federal government reported last year that motorcycle deaths nationwide had jumped by 13 percent to 4,533. In New York State, the response by motorcycle advocacy groups to this sorry national statistic was to push "successfully" for legislation in Albany mandating the suspension of drivers' licenses for right-of-way violations that result in serious injury to another person. It appears the Legislature was motivated not by evidence that right-of-way violations will diminish by threatening license suspension, but because motorcycle special-interest groups requested it. Some of those same groups, by the way, are seeking repeal of the state's law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets, a regulation that research data have shown to be quite effective in saving lives."

If I recall, the right of way legislation covers bikes and cars as well, and is primarily focused on getting drivers to appreciate that they should be watching out for motorcyclists. The fact that they bring in helmet law legislation is even more galling.

dgfella

 

[gypsy]

dgfella,

I emailed the editor. OK so I don't live in NY but I do ride through from time to time.

---------------------------------------------

Dear Sir/Madam,

In reading through your online edition I came across a comment titled “Wrong Way”. In it the writer likens the enforcing right of way legislation with helmet laws in the state. I happen to be an advocate of enforced helmet laws but your writer seems to be saying that two wrongs somehow balance out one another. Actually I am not sure of his point at all. Is he in favor of right of way violations? Does he think that right of way legislation would only pertain to car drivers? This legislation effects all of us. And, not surprisingly in NY, the vast majority of motorcycle riders are also car drivers. This legislation is intended to save lives pure and simple. Is AAA-NY saying, because we can’t cure all evils with a single stroke we shouldn’t attempt to cure any?

Articles like this are nothing more that motorcycle bashing by those ignorant of what it is like to ride on today’s congested roads.

 

[dgfella]

gypsy,

Kudos for emailing the editor. Every time I start typing, I get annoyed and quit. If I get through a whole email, I'll post it.

dgfella

 

[dgfella]

I found the specific law, click here.

It would appear that the AAA does not like that ABATE of NY was instrumental in the legislation being passed. I think ABATE has been lobbying for the change in the helmet laws as well, but has been unsuccessful.

I'm really torn here because normally, I agree with the AAA and legislation that they support.

Essentially, I'm pissed at the writer and his editorializing above all else.

It seems to me that if you violate someones right of way, and cause injury to a motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian, you deserve a suspension and mandatory driver education.

Cagers need incentive to 'share the road' responsibly. This writer is bashing good legislation, bashing a motorcycle special interest group, and totally annoys me.