| Author | Message | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1474 Registered: 4-2004 |
i dont ever drink and drive and never stupid when "traveling" St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock was drunk and talking on his cell phone at the time of his fatal accident, and marijuana was found in the sport utility vehicle he was driving. Medical examiner Michael Graham said at a news conference Friday that the 29-year-old reliever was dead "within seconds" from head injuries in the crash early Sunday on Interstate 64 in St. Louis. His vehicle hit the back of a tow truck parked on the highway to assist a driver from a previous accident. "There is nothing at all that could have been done for him," Graham said. Hancock's blood-alcohol level was 0.157, nearly twice Missouri's legal limit of 0.08, Graham said. Police Chief Joe Mokwa said 8.55 grams of marijuana and a glass pipe used to smoke marijuana were found in the rented Ford Explorer. Toxicology tests to determine if drugs were in his system had not been completed. An accident reconstruction team determined Hancock was traveling 68 mph in a 55 mph zone when his SUV struck the back of a flatbed tow truck stopped in a driving lane. Mokwa said there was no evidence Hancock tried to stop. He did swerve, but too late to avoid the collision. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2346 Registered: 7-2004 |
I heard he also wasn't wearing his seatbelt. Bill, tgo | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 570 Registered: 9-2005 |
At least he won't be able to threaten anyone else any more with his recklessness. Good riddence. I hope the person he hit wasn't injured seriously -or (obviously/ideally) at all. It's especially terrible how often the reckless meatbags who cause terrible accidents suffer little to no serious harm -while their victims die and/or are maimed and/or crippled for life. I met a guy a few weeks ago who told me that Californias new "no talking on the cell phone and driving" law was the result of a 19 year old girl who plowed into him arguing with her boyfriend on her cellphone. It crushed his intestines and damaged his spine -he lived in constant pain since then, and likely will for the rest of his life. She gets to spend the rest of hers living with no such dehabilitating consequences. The unfairness of this is obvious. So some may think it harsh, but I'm frankly glad to see him go. One less irresponsible meatbag to threaten the lives of those of us that are responsible... we've got enough to worry about already. | ||
| precarius
Intermediate Member Username: precarius Post Number: 139 Registered: 11-2005 |
I think we all are just a few bad decisions away from being "irresponsible meatbags". | ||
| davr35
Member Username: davr35 Post Number: 60 Registered: 12-2004 |
I have been a paramedic for 22 years. Let's just say I have seen a few things. Believe it or not 99% of the time the drunk guy is the one that walks away without a scatch. The laws are just not strict enough I had a good friend killed by a drunk driver who had 5 DUI's. I drive 12 hours a day and see people doing stupid thing all the time and I have put them in "meatbags" for it. | ||
| dannobasso
Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 536 Registered: 3-2004 |
I don't allow myself to become hindered as a matter of policy. Sadly I do know of those who still live life with no fear of consequence. I read someone the riot act for refusing to give me their keys after a gig and then driving in an extremely reckless fashion. The point I made that struck home was that a few select friends of mine would stomp him out if anything happened to me and I will never ride with him again . We have all escaped misfortune at one time or another either by fate, grace of God, guardian angel etc. I do agree with precarius that we are but a few bad decisions away from tragedy. So i will use this as a reminder of how fleeting and precious life is and of my responsibility to be dilligent on the road. | ||
| dela217
Senior Member Username: dela217 Post Number: 792 Registered: 6-2002 |
I NEVER drink, and NEVER do drugs. I just don't like it. I think when folks slip behind the wheel that are drunk are just plain irresponsible and selfish. Meatbag. I like that. A good description for these folks. I lost a niece to a drunk driver. The accident happened in Mississippi. In that state, no matter how drunk, it is just an accident. So this meatbag is a free man, still drunk and doing drugs. Every year on her birthday I send HIM a birthday card in her name. He probably don't get it. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1568 Registered: 3-2004 |
I think the article said he was a dead man, seatbelt or no, based upon the rest of the impact conditions. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 592 Registered: 9-2005 |
Well, last night in Las Vegas, we had what the Metro Police are calling the second worst accident in recent Las Vegas memory. (The first was a few years ago when a young woman -I think her name was Michelle Williams- plowed into I think 6 teenagers that were doing -I think- community service. She killed 'em all. Pretty gruesome. She was stoned at the time... and I think some other drug(s) were involved... possibly prescription. She's doing time now.) Anyway, last night, a drunken 19 year old was speeding and ran thru a stop sign and plowed into a SUV carrying a family of 8. It instantly burst into flames, and though bystandarders pulled out a few survivors, 8 members of the family were killed -including the 32 year old mother, an infant, a toddler, and two young boys. "19 year old Ronald Jayne Jr., the driver of the vehicle that hit the family's SUV suffered minor injuries and faces at least 20 criminal counts of driving under the influence involving a death and five counts of reckless driving involving a death or injury." The 32 year old mother/driver and two young boys died instantly on the scene from the impact, and the approximately 18 month old child and less than a year old child died on the way to the emergency room. The three survivors are currently listed in "very serious condition." Kind of like what you've described, huh, David? Naturally, the driver escaped unscathed. Of course, given the carnage, it's unlikely he'll escape with a light sentence -first time offense or not... not that that will mean much to the survivors of his carnage. Obviously the sentencing for these crimes is far too light. It doesn't matter to me, because I dread the thought of doing something like this to other people, and would never ever allow myself to drive in an impaired condition nor recklessly run through stop signs without regard for the safety of others. But for others who lack their own internal motivations and ethics, there need to be laws that will may them live in fear of the consequences of such reckless behavior. A few years ago, a woman won the largest Megabucks jackpot in Nevada history -over 33 million dollars. A few weeks later, she was transformed into a parapoligiec and her sister killed by a drunk drive who had SEVENTEEN prior arrests and convictions for DUI and/or DWI. Seventeen. Of course, he was put away after that. But why, WHY, did it take the crippling of that poor woman and the death of her sister for the maniac to be put away? Something needs to be done... and the people yakking on the cell phones are about as bad. Recent studies indicate that people yakking on their cell phones -and text messaging... while driving!!!- are more dangerous than drunk drivers. Just a little sunshine to share with everyone. Sorry for the ugliness, take care gang. And be safe everyone. My girl was almost in TWO serious accidents caused by idiots changing lanes without signaling today. If she had been the slightest bit distracted, I might be identifying her body now. Please be safe... don't become the next statistic. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1337 Registered: 2-2006 |
Guys please excuse me while I vent a little. I took of work early today. 3 of us loaded up our Motorcycles and headed for The Chickasaw National Park for a weekend camping trip. As we headed up US Hwy-75 through Allen TX our trip got cut short when a DRUNK IDIOT plows into the rear of us and take's 2 of us out, me and my brother-in-law. And to top it off he was on the phone too. Only by the grace of God are we OK. We both suffered only minor injuries that we know of. Back, neck and ankle hurt pretty good but nothing broken as far as I can tell. Our bikes are bent pretty good but repairable as far as I can see. Driving is not a "right" folks it's a privilege, and with that privilege comes much responsibility. i.e. DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE of anything. Pull over to make or take that call. Don’t drive while angry, depressed or upset about anything. And don’t drive like it’s a video game, the crashes are real. Take care guys and gals and please, PLEASE, please if you’re going to partake, do it at home or call a cab. Got that “Hedge of Protection”, Olie | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 415 Registered: 11-2004 |
Olie, Glad to hear that you made it out vertical and breathing. Make sure you get that neck and back checked thoroughly- back pain is not something to mess with. Get ready for the soreness tomorrow. If you got any kind of decent wiplash, you're gonna be a real sore puppy tomorrow. Toby | ||
| 57basstra
Senior Member Username: 57basstra Post Number: 627 Registered: 4-2005 |
God was with y'all, Olie. Glad it was not as bad as it could have been. David | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2386 Registered: 7-2004 |
Olie: Glad to hear it didn't turn out worse. Do get yourself checked out. If something pops up later, the documentation will help if you find yourself in litigation. Bill, tgo | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1341 Registered: 2-2006 |
Went to the doc today everything seems OK. X-rays showed nothing. Just some severely strained muscles and such. I am much more sore today and top that off with a case of TPO and it's been a lousy Saturday to say the least. | ||
| crgaston
Advanced Member Username: crgaston Post Number: 385 Registered: 11-2005 |
Olie, glad to hear you're ok. Even though I've never met you in person, I would be seriously distressed to learn you had been badly injured or killed. You seem like a really great guy and you contribute a lot to this forum, and I get the impression that you contribute a lot to those around you "in real life", too. Not to get all mushy, but we do tend to take our lives, health, and companions for granted sometimes. Your experience is a reminder that bad things can happen, and we don't always get a warning, so here's a little love coming your way. I'm praying for your speedy recovery with no complications! Charles | ||
| 2400wattman
Advanced Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 363 Registered: 11-2005 |
Olie, that's great news. Very happy to hear you and your compadres made it out ok. Hope your Sunday is better than your Saturday. All the best to you. | ||
| the_8_string_king
Senior Member Username: the_8_string_king Post Number: 615 Registered: 9-2005 |
I'm happy it wasn't worse for you, Olie -and I hope they throw the book at the maggot who hit you. I recommend seeing if a civil lawsuit is an option. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2390 Registered: 7-2004 |
"TPO"? Toilet Paper Overdose? Two Parrots Organizing? Thoroughly Paranoid Orangatans? Twisted Pimple Oragami? Twin Purple Orphans? Bill, tgo | ||
| fc_spoiler
Senior Member Username: fc_spoiler Post Number: 508 Registered: 5-2006 |
Good to hear you're fine (for as far as you can call that fine) Make that idiot pay for your bike and for another custom Alembic! | ||
| rraymond
Advanced Member Username: rraymond Post Number: 235 Registered: 6-2002 |
Olie, sorry to hear about the accident and glad to hear that your OK. "OK" being a relative term here. Look at it this way, if you sue and win a big settlement, you can buy your bass whenever it appears on eBay! LOL (Hope you don't mind a little black humor.) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1345 Registered: 2-2006 |
Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes guys. Today I feel much better, lower back and neck still pretty sore but OK. Loved the humor Reid. Maybe if the guy lists it again I can have twins. LOL Bill. TPO? "Totally Pissed Off", at the idiot in the truck. But as I said I feeling Muuuch better now. (sarcastic grin) | ||
| alemberic
Junior Username: alemberic Post Number: 48 Registered: 6-2006 |
Olie Glad to hear you're (pretty much) intact, and that you appear not to have suffered any serious or permanent injuries. I don't blame you a bit for being TPO--no drunken idiot, or anyone else, for that matter, has the right to take away the life God gave you. However, try to move on from it as soon as you can, or at least channel it into something positive, like perhaps working with people/groups in your state which lobby for stronger, more effective drunk driving laws. I have really enjoyed reading your posts and have learned a lot from them. My best wishes for a speedy recovery for you and your brother in law! Take care-- Eric | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1182 Registered: 9-2002 |
REAL glad you lived to tell, Olie. I'm itching for a bike, and have a highly developed sense of manic distrust for everyone else on the road. Unfortunately, there's plenty of bikers hit by perfectly sober cage drivers ('I never saw him!'); that this s-o-b was drunk really roasts me, and hope he's prosecuted big-time. Drunk/stoned driving falls under my general view of drugs/alcohol: From a practical viewpoint, I can't see much good that ever comes from it. I do see lots of misery, violence, rehab, and lives generally disrupted. There's jails full of people there for vehicular manslaughter from drunk driving that would never raise a hand to anyone otherwise. Thank God your particular driver won't be there for you! J o e y | ||
| alemberic
Junior Username: alemberic Post Number: 49 Registered: 6-2006 |
Joey-- You were so right when you said that plenty of bikers have been hit by perfectly sober drivers who then say they never saw the biker. It happens all the time, and--years ago, when I rode--happened to me. The reality is that people literally do not mentally process what their eyes actually see because most people are looking for other four-wheeled vehicles, not motorcycles [or bicycles, for that matter]. You can have your bike's lights lit up like the 4th of July, even, and people still do not process your presence. As unbelievable as it may sound, a significant percentage of [sober] people who claim they never "saw" the biker they hit are telling the truth, or at least the truth as they genuinely believe it to be. Sometime in 1980 I was sitting on a city street in the slow lane at a stoplight, waiting for the signal to turn green. My headlight and tailights were on [a little unusual for 1980, as was the helmet I always wore]. It was about 10:30 A.M. on a clear, sunny morning. Traffic was moderate. All of a sudden I feel an impact on my back wheel, and simultaneously get pushed forward about a foot. Fortunately I remained upright and seated on the bike. I look around to see a middle-aged lady--the driver of the car which had just struck me--with her hands to her face and a look of absolute shock on her face. She shakily gets out of her vehicle, comes forward to my position, and says--these were her exact words--"Oh my God, I didn't see you!" There was really not much I could do except shake my head and thank the good Lord that it wasn't my time to go. I always loved riding that bike--it was a super-fast Triumph 750cc Bonneville with a teardrop-shaped gasoline tank and that classic British-bike rumble coming from the dual exhaust pipes, and handled like a dream. But...this experience, along with a few other encounters involving four-wheeled vehicle operators doing dumb-a** things, led me to abandon bikes. It simply wasn't worth my life. Eric | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1183 Registered: 9-2002 |
Blasted on a 'Bonnie, and she never saw you. Nitwits. But I will say this: A lot of scooter pilots do NOT help things out, as I always see two things: 1) Black bike, black leather jacket, black full-face, black shield helmet, after-market tiny turnsignals/undertail hugger, etc. Hello . . . . ! 2) The opposite of #1: Wife-beater/muscle shirt, sandals, shorts, one of those half-helmets like Harley guys wear a lot . . . on a repainted, BLACK R1 Yamaha. 'Yes, Doctor, I just LOVE having you dig the asphalt out with those tweezers!'. You can't control everything. But I'm a big believer in helping the odds any time I can. J o e y | ||
| alemberic
Junior Username: alemberic Post Number: 50 Registered: 6-2006 |
Right you are again, Joey. Before, and during, any use of his/her bike, the biker should definitely engage the brain the helmets are supposed to protect! Hope you find just the right machine to scratch that "itch" you mentioned in your earlier post. Have fun and ride safe-- Eric |
