Parked FJR Hit And Run By Old Lady NWF

[radman]

You have to prove competence to get your license when you first get it

Thats just it, you don't. You have to prove you can park , which is where most should just leave it, but they don't. The testing insures that everyone can feel good about themselves, but it doesn't demonstrate competence in the least, only that you can somewhat negotiate a closed, empty, laid out lot. And you get as many shots at it as you need to. Like a skeet shooter is prepared for war having done his 50 consistently, it means nothing. Take a look around you, and tell me that State mandated training does now or ever has really taught people how to drive. The programs are a farce, always have been, and unless tougher standards are created, always will be.

 

[twowheelnut]

In my neighborhood not 2 miles from my house is the light I got hit at while stopped on my vstar by a woman. She was not elderly and not her excuse. She was blinded by the sun and not my point here.Anyway same light a gentleman in an old full size car like a tank had an epileptic seizure and in front of them at that same light was a political figure in our area and his 2 kids. That car ran over them completely killing all 3 of them.

To me he should not have had his license with that type of condition but since it is suppose to be controllable with medication nothing to be done.

A truck driver if ever has a heart condition will never drive a tractor trailer again and I agree with that but shouldn't medical conditions apply to cars as well...

Completely, eh? Not sorta killed em? It must be happy hour somewhere... <_<

 

[toophast]

only that you can somewhat negotiate a closed,  empty, laid out lot.  And you get as many shots at it as you need to.    Take a look around you, and tell me that State mandated training does now or ever has really taught people how to drive.  The programs are a farce, always have been, and unless tougher standards are created, always will be.

Last time I took a "driving type" drivers test (auto) was a while ago and you had to drive on the road, make left and right turns, parallel park on the side of the public street, 3 point turn in the active road and you could only lose just so many points or you failed and had hoops to jump through before retesting. If all they do now is what you described (parking lot moves) then it's no damn wonder there are so many bloody idiots out there that don't have a clue!

Regarding "state mandated training...." there are those who will argue that point but I don't know any stats---unless your talking about drivers ed. in school type programs-then I think your statement would be hard to defend---if your talking about the type of "training" one has mandated to them by the court secondary to an offense- then I agree. (Been there done that--one of the presents my daughter gave me when she decided to sideswipe someone). There really is no "magic bullet" fix for the problem as it is multifactorial. I think societies driving habits reflect a lot of that societies attitudes...many people drive like they don't give a **** about anyone else, a theme that is rampant in our society at oh so many levels.

Tougher standards are only as good as they are enforced, I'm for both

"Justice that is neither swift nor sure can not be considered justice"--or something like that anyway...

Toophast

 

[Toecutter]

So, I take it that you didn't catch the perp this time around? At least tell us about the stakeout....

 

[FJRocket]

We be lookin for that follow up! :clap:

 

[yanktar]

They can't see, they can't hear, their reflexes are shot....but they drive!

(and they VOTE!)

 

[sparky3008]

In my neighborhood not 2 miles from my house is the light I got hit at while stopped on my vstar by a woman. She was not elderly and not her excuse. She was blinded by the sun and not my point here.Anyway same light a gentleman in an old full size car like a tank had an epileptic seizure and in front of them at that same light was a political figure in our area and his 2 kids. That car ran over them completely killing all 3 of them.

To me he should not have had his license with that type of condition but since it is suppose to be controllable with medication nothing to be done.

A truck driver if ever has a heart condition will never drive a tractor trailer again and I agree with that but shouldn't medical conditions apply to cars as well...

Completely, eh? Not sorta killed em? It must be happy hour somewhere... <_<

I think faster than I type.

Too funny, yea partially dead would probably have been just as bad.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

They can't see, they can't hear, their reflexes are shot....but they drive!
(and they VOTE!)

and we'll be there sooner than you think :blink:

 

[Bounce]

I do believe that it's societies duty to protect us from ourselves where possible.

oops

that's a big steaming pile of cow plop if ever i saw one.

is it the family's responsibility? sure. the rest is too broad a statement and ripe for abuse in so many different ways.

 

[sparky3008]

I do believe that it's societies duty to protect us from ourselves where possible.

oops

that's a big steaming pile of cow plop if ever i saw one.

is it the family's responsibility? sure. the rest is too broad a statement and ripe for abuse in so many different ways.

Yea, I tried to ignore that statement when I saw it.

That is our problem now is government being in every little detail of our lives trying to protect us. BIG GOVERNMENT NO NO NO!!!

BIG BUSINESS NO NO NO NO!!!

 

[sparky3008]

only that you can somewhat negotiate a closed,  empty, laid out lot.  And you get as many shots at it as you need to.    Take a look around you, and tell me that State mandated training does now or ever has really taught people how to drive.  The programs are a farce, always have been, and unless tougher standards are created, always will be.

Last time I took a "driving type" drivers test (auto) was a while ago and you had to drive on the road, make left and right turns, parallel park on the side of the public street, 3 point turn in the active road and you could only lose just so many points or you failed and had hoops to jump through before retesting. If all they do now is what you described (parking lot moves) then it's no damn wonder there are so many bloody idiots out there that don't have a clue!

Regarding "state mandated training...." there are those who will argue that point but I don't know any stats---unless your talking about drivers ed. in school type programs-then I think your statement would be hard to defend---if your talking about the type of "training" one has mandated to them by the court secondary to an offense- then I agree. (Been there done that--one of the presents my daughter gave me when she decided to sideswipe someone). There really is no "magic bullet" fix for the problem as it is multifactorial. I think societies driving habits reflect a lot of that societies attitudes...many people drive like they don't give a **** about anyone else, a theme that is rampant in our society at oh so many levels.

Tougher standards are only as good as they are enforced, I'm for both

"Justice that is neither swift nor sure can not be considered justice"--or something like that anyway...

Toophast

Don't know what state you are in.

Don't know your age.

In Maryland when I was 17 car test were merely in the parking lot.

Only my Class A CDL went on the road...

Biggest challenge on the car test was not running the stop sign after he said the test was over

Not to mention motorcycle tests. Parking lot only and dealing with cars on the roads is really what the focus should be IMHO. Most newbies expecially girls think driving a bike is like driving a car not realizing we have to be extra defensive. Many don't even understand what "defensive" means.

Example: Coming up to an intersection and a car is waiting to turn left. To make yourself visible you are taught to move within your lane. Question was asked what if as you get to the intersection the car starts to go what do you do? I answered move to the other lane. A girl spoke up and said "But it is illegal to change lanes in an intersection". I said true but if a cop wants to pull me over on the other side of the intersection and give me a ticket I will gladly accept it now that I am alive...

Rules are great in print...

 

[Toynut]

One thing about older drivers is that most of them came from a time when COMMON COURTESY was still the golden rule, and practiced by practically everyone!!!!

Personally, I don't give a rat's ass about technical skills competency, fast reflexes, speed, reaction times, visual accuety, etc.... But, if you are almost run over, sideswiped, passed on the gravel shoulder, find yourself being run up on your rear fender at at least +20 over the limit etc. by some PUNK ASSED KID (30 and younger), giving you the finger in the process. By all means, feel free to follow them to their parents house(where else do these social freeloaders live?), and promptly deal with the entire lot in a most unkind manner!!!

RANT OVER!!!!

(There, I feel much better now, thanks) :rant:

 

[Tim05fjr]

  By all means, feel free to follow them to their parents house(where else do these social freeloaders live?), and promptly deal with the entire lot in a most unkind manner!!!
RANT OVER!!!! 

(There, I feel much better now, thanks)    :rant:

Funny you should say that. A few years ago I was riding through my own neighborhood with my girlfriend on the back of my Harley.(no abuse here, I sold it.) Some jerk-off kid blew right through a stop sighn and nearly took us out. Thank God I am in the habbit of slowing down at all intersections and looking around. I proceeded to follow him right to his house. Wich was only one block from mine. I pulled in the driveway right behind him, and his father was there washing his Goldwing!! Without saying a word to the kid, I walked up his his old man, introduced myself and told him of his son's driving skills. The dopey kid sat in the car the whole time. After a short discussion with me (he is a realy nice guy, we've ridden togher a few times since.) He pulled his son from the car and gave him a good screaming at and a few firm backhands. :haha: Justice served.

Tim

 

[toophast]

So, I take it that you didn't catch the perp this time around? At least tell us about the stakeout....

Very anticlimatic... she did a no show. I sat there from 1155 untill 1325, tape recorder in pocket, officers cell phone number (he couldn't stay) on dash (I went in one of my cars) parked in the shade. Oh well, it has officially been turned in under my uninsured motorist coverage ($200 deductible). :angry01: I will, however be there again next Sunday, and the next h34r: (on the off chance that she did know she hit it and is laying low, as opposed to the kazillion other reasons she didn't show last Sunday). Estimates almost done, just waiting for Yamaha to call my dealer back with the price of the side bag...

 

[toophast]

I do believe that it's societies duty to protect us from ourselves where possible.

oops

that's a big steaming pile of cow plop if ever i saw one.

is it the family's responsibility? sure. the rest is too broad a statement and ripe for abuse in so many different ways.

Yea, I tried to ignore that statement when I saw it.

That is our problem now is government being in every little detail of our lives trying to protect us. BIG GOVERNMENT NO NO NO!!!

BIG BUSINESS NO NO NO NO!!!

When I wrote that I figured someone(s) would have issue with it. I'm talking about things like speed limits, drunk driving laws, removing driving privledges from people who have no business driving anymore, loud pipe/music laws, seatbelt laws, helmet laws etc.-----let the flames begin...

 

[toophast]

Toophast

Don't know what state you are in.

Don't know your age.

In Maryland when I was 17 car test were merely in the parking lot.

Only my Class A CDL went on the road...

Biggest challenge on the car test was not running the stop sign after he said the test was over

It was Rutland, Vermont in 1975 on my 16th birthday. The guy doing the test was known as "scarface" (State Trooper in full uniform with a HUGE scar accross one whole side of his face-known for flunking people).

 

[Geezer]

It has been a while since I took my driving test but it was in NJ and it is still about the same there as when I took it. They use a coyrse set up within the motor vehicle inspection area. The only traffic is another car or two taking the test at the same time. Not very realistic.

For motorcycles they have tightened up the course to the point where a full size bike can not make the required low speed turns. Most people rent a scooter from a local dealer with an automatic transmission to take the test. So they don't need to actually know how to ride a MC or use the clutch to get the license. That's a little scary.

 

[yanktar]

It has been a while since I took my driving test but it was in NJ and it is still about the same there as when I took it. They use a coyrse set up within the motor vehicle inspection area. The only traffic is another car or two taking the test at the same time. Not very realistic.
For motorcycles they have tightened up the course to the point where a full size bike can not make the required low speed turns. Most people rent a scooter from a local dealer with an automatic transmission to take the test. So they don't need to actually know how to ride a MC or use the clutch to get the license. That's a little scary.

I took my road test in NY in 1977--that was the BIGGEST pain-in-the-butt. You had to make an appointment a full month in advance. You had to have a licensed MC rider to get the bike there (unless you had a truck). You had to proved the tester with a car and a driver and the road test was on the street. You had to use hand signals, even if you had them, including the brake signal. You had to go into a side street and, without putting a foot down circle one direction, change and circle the other direction, then do figure 8's. Then come to a stop on the side of the road. So I had to get a friend with a car, another friend with a license and we all had to take time off from work! Boy, you learn who your friends are/were! I spent 3 months practicing all the manuevers in the parking lot next door because I didn't DARE fail! To add to the fun, my two cyl Suzuki T-250 decided to drop one cyl, so I was riding most of the test on one cylinder....

I wonder if, after taking the MSF course in NJ if you could then pass the NJ road test on a real bike. But it's a GREAT idea to rent a scooter for the test--except for all the rest of us out there....

Still, when I took the MSF ER class last summer I was AMAZED at how many people couldn't do basic maneuvers. The guys on Harleys were truly atrocious--except for the MC cop who was an instructor and could ride the CRAP out of his police H-D--scraping floor boards, the exhaust constantly, sparks flying, with COMPLETE control. The other instructor was on a real beater rat bike of a 1200 'Wing and HE could ride the crap out of it as well. After the class I let him take my FZ1 around the course and he could not believe how much easier ALL the maneuvers were on it--he had no trouble doing stoppies with 2 fingers... I was happy to get lots of pointers but those fellow students on Harleys truly needed help in a BIG way!

 

[sparky3008]

I do believe that it's societies duty to protect us from ourselves where possible.

oops

that's a big steaming pile of cow plop if ever i saw one.

is it the family's responsibility? sure. the rest is too broad a statement and ripe for abuse in so many different ways.

Yea, I tried to ignore that statement when I saw it.

That is our problem now is government being in every little detail of our lives trying to protect us. BIG GOVERNMENT NO NO NO!!!

BIG BUSINESS NO NO NO NO!!!

When I wrote that I figured someone(s) would have issue with it. I'm talking about things like speed limits, drunk driving laws, removing driving privledges from people who have no business driving anymore, loud pipe/music laws, seatbelt laws, helmet laws etc.-----let the flames begin...

Loud Pipes/Music. Well I am one of the offenders here and personally I like the sound. My house sits overlooking rt 70 and I get groups of Harley and sport bikes going by all the time. I have to say I enjoy hearing them go by. As far as the officer on this forum that didn't believe they do any good on getting anyones attention I disagree. While no one may be able to hear me coming up but once I am beside you most people can then know that I am there even though they don't see me in their mirror. The officer gave the example of kids,music yelling etc causing them not to be able to hear his squad car. Maybe a few don't but it does increase my odds of most cars not changing lanes on me. I know when I hear a police bike with loud pipes I know he is there. If cops can do it don't come giving me a ticket for it.

Seat belts: That really bothers me that we have allowed our government to get to the point of creating laws to protect us from ourselves. I don't wear mine simply because they tell me I have to. If this is suppose to be a free country what about that is free. Don't even get started on the psychological impact of people wearing seat belts thinking they are safer and therefore being more reckless. I know I drive my bike safer than my 7000lb truck because I am more vulnerable on it. Without a helmet I know I drive even more cautious. I got a ticket a few months ago for not wearing a seat belt. I told the officer he could catch me again tomorrow because I won't be wearing it then either.

Speed limits: I know that here in Maryland the average speed on any day on 270 is at least 70+. The accidents happen when people follow to close, drive recklessly changing lanes to quickly and cutting people off. Our speed limit is 55 and is a joke.

Drunk driving: Everyone of those cock suckers should be hung from the nearest over pass. No reason for this...

 

[toophast]

When I wrote that I figured someone(s) would have issue with it. I'm talking about things like speed limits, drunk driving laws, removing driving privledges from people who have no business driving anymore, loud pipe/music laws, seatbelt laws, helmet laws etc.-----let the flames begin...

Loud Pipes/Music. Well I am one of the offenders here and personally I like the sound. As far as the officer on this forum that didn't believe they do any good on getting anyones attention I disagree.

If cops can do it don't come giving me a ticket for it.

Seat belts: I don't wear mine simply because they tell me I have to.

Without a helmet I know I drive even more cautious.

Drunk driving: Everyone of those cock suckers should be hung from the nearest over pass. No reason for this...

Sparky you sound like a bit of an anarchist