farmers market crash
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- mitsu
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/West/…
what should happen to the old fella?
i feel bad for everyone in this situation..
- Bio0
3 blocks. . . 9 killed... 50 injured. it is hard to keep an open mind.
it is also very hard for me to comprehend that it could be an accident. i mean even old people can tell when they run over a few dozen people. right?if it was an accident, then there are some hard questions to be asked.
- kpl0
no more driver's license. that's for sure.
The old guy is pitiful. but then again, he should not have put himself in the position where he could possibly kill 9 people. some punishment is in order, maybe house arrest for a few days and probation, definitely.
part of me says life sentence in san quentin, just to spite the 3 strikes crowd. See them crying about judging cases by their merits now...
- 4cY0
but how did it happen really?
did he have a stroke and in a reflex stepped on the gas?
things like that happen..
in that case take his drivers license and leave it with that.
it's just a tragic accident i believe...
- unknown0
It's sad. but I feel that he is responsible and should face the consequences. If you are inept to drive (drunk, senile, no legs..) then dont fucking drive for the sake of the rest of us.
- 4cY0
"but I feel that he is responsible and should face the consequences"
i doubt that.
but then again, they might jail him: typically American: eye fir eye.. hypocrit justice system. sad.
- mitsu0
i've always been concerned about people this age driving around.
while i respect their rights, i think it's quite obvious the dangers inherent.
maybe after a certain age, liscences should require annual renewal at which point drivers would have to be evaluated for consideration...
thoughts?
- mitsu0
"If you are inept to drive (drunk, senile, no legs..) then dont fucking drive for the sake of the rest of us."
it's a bit different than telling someone with a staggering blood-alchahol level they shouldn't have gotten behind the wheel.
this guy may be one of those old people who have never been in an accident and had no idea they were putting others in danger by getting behind the wheel...
hard to say for sure.
- 4cY0
well, let me tell you something son.
There was a really BIG item on this matter due to the accident on the German TV. (yes i was bored so I watch that.. :))
As a matter of fact, elderly people take account for a VERY small percentage of all accidents.
Then danger-age is 18-24 years!
- skonge0
its crazy....i go to this farmers market on the weekends.
he said he was trying to hit the breaks. for three blocks?
- kpl0
no stroke or heart attack. he apparently stepped on the wrong pedal.
- unknown0
mitsu, that exactly what I was thinking.
- 4cY0
hmm...weird.
- shellie0
thats RIGHT by my house.
- inspiration0
i just saw that on the news.
you kinda realise that you're accelerating and not braking by:
the engine noise,
things generally speeding up around you.
you know, stuff like that.it's seriously fucked up.
but like someone said, the statistics will always be on their side.
my grandad is the same age, he's lost his marbles and there's no way he should be behind the wheel.
- unknown0
If you step on the gas instead of the brakes for a split second.. its understandable. But not noticing for 3 blocks and after hitting 50 people.. maybe you shouldt be driving in the first place.
ok here it is: my idea is to put him in a minimum security jail, otherwise known as "retirement home". Then both sides wins.
- shellie0
i think its a lot of the family's responsiblity to take the care and the keys away. ALL it takes is someone saying to dude's doctor "Dr.____, my father is not able to drive anymore and we cannot get him to give up his license willingly."
the dr will notify the DMV.. license revoked. end of story.
did you hear that man had already ran into the back of his garage TWICE? and no one thought to take the keys then? It was only a matter of time til he hit someone, a light pole, or a building.
he probably hit the gas and then froze. Ive been to that farmers market. Its seriously a zoo. it wouldnt be very hard for someone to take otu that many people in such a crowded area. The man wasnt paying attention and turn and all of the sudden hes at the market and slams on the "brake".... that street is usually open every other day of the week.
And its someones fault they didnt drop in one of those concrete barricades at the end othe street. they just put in those people stoppers.
- 4cY0
ok, that's better.
- cinder0
I want to know where this man's family is.
If he's old and senile why aren't they taking care of him?
Americans have serious problem with the elderly.
They become an inconvience so we put them in 'homes'.
It really sucks.
Someone in his family should have known and should have done something about it.
and I would also support yearly mandatory driver testing over 50
Actually, why the hell don't the doctors issue license revocations??
"Well, looks like you have alzheimers and acute arthritis. have a good drive home!!"
- unknown0
I live a coupla blocks north of the scene so ... that doesn't matter really. But I called it. I said, I bet this guy lives locally, where he could have easily taken a bus to the library, bad hip or not. If you can't drive under 16 - you can't drive over 72. Period. The old folks you see driving in LA - its insane - right up there with the 16 year olds, driving 3-ton SUVs while on the phone.
My pet peeve is these people I see driving with the handicap placard on the rear view mirror - its says right on it - in big letters - DO NOT DRIVE WITH THIS ON YOUR REAR VIEW MIRROR. It blocks like 30% of your fwd vision. Never mind the person driving is usually very much a senior citizen.