Police can be uncaring at times!

[gavinb]

Firstly let me state that I am a very lucky father tonight as my son just had a great escape and probably should go out and buy a lotto ticket, so the following winge is really not that important.
He managed to drop my KTM Super Duke going into a corner while riding on the hills outside if Brisbane, slid across the road and hit an on coming car. The bike is a right off and the car had to be towed away.
Luckily he escaped any serious injury and no broken bones, however within a couple of hours the police showed up at the hospital and served him with a fine for crossing over onto the wrong side of the road, the fact that the bike was fully horizontal at that point seems to be of no consequence however it is nice to know that they have a sense of humour even if a bit perverse

[omaz]

Glad that your son is not seriously injured Gav. Sorry about the Duke. I've never seen one in person but from what I've read they seem like a very nice machine.

If I were issued with such a traffic citation in the state of Pennsylvania I would definitely contest it in the district justice's court. I think it would be disallowed given the circumstances. It sounds to me as though the police are being vindictive.

[triumphite]

He probably got the ticket because another vehicle was involved. When it comes to damages, insurance, etc, there is always a person "at fault".

However, I wouldn't sweat it. As long as he's ok, then who cares? I've been in a bunch of accidents, and ticketed twice when I was in the hospital. Let insurance handle it, and worry about your son.

BTW, congrats on your new PM. It made page 18 of the Washington Post!!

[Django]

Thank goodness he is OK and you can (almost) laugh about the fine.

My only thought is that if a car driver lost it on a corner and came over the road and hit him, you might not be so irritated by the reaction of the police in booking the driver.

I hope the car occupants were OK as well as I can imagine my feeling if it were my wife and two sons in it! I was hit by a biker when I was twelve years old and in very similar circumstances. If he had been a couple of feet further to the right, I might not be typing this now. In that case it was incompetence and he deserved prosecution. Your son's case may have been different.

Like I say, the important thing is that he is alright.

Cheers,

Django

[4N099]

Gavin, I am very glad to hear your son is alright.

I can understand your anger towards the cops given the circumstances, but they were just doing their job and you are just being a normal parent. Give your boy a kiss and a hug and be thankful he will come home with you.

[whoa]

I've no idea of traffic laws there, so fwiw. In Texas, the charge would be Fail to Control Speed. A charge like like Wrong Side Road wouldn't apply because the elements of the case don't apply. Have a look at the statutes and see what charges may have been brought, and perhaps the officer filed the wrong one. In that case, you should be able to have the case dismissed, or acquitted.

I understand the officer filing a charge as some traffic offense probably occurred. It just sounds like this may not be the appropriate charge.

[drharveys]

I'm glad your son is basically OK.

As for the ticket, contest it on the grounds that you're in Australia -- you're supposed to ride on the wrong side of the road!

[DaveM]

Sorry to hear that Gavin, it's never good when a biker is down and I am sorry about your KTM, they are nice machines.

Also pleased to hear your son is in one peice and not seriously injured.

Please PM me with where it was if you want to as I am curious for several reasons.

The cops............... well that is just piss poor!

DaveM

[gsbeamer]

Sorry to hear what happened Gav, but glad he will be OK.
You would think that something would be posted, rather then
coming to your Hospital bed and treating like a criminal on such
a minimal and stupid charge,
A few years ago a friend of mine did a similar thing and was
charged with Negligent Driving, correct me if I'm wrong and
I'm on your side, but crossing onto the other side of the road
seems to be the lesser of the two, and knowing that you seldom
win with the Law, sometimes you have to be happy with the lesser.

A speedy recovery
gsbeamer.

[ruscook]

Hi gavin, he was very lucky indeed, glad he was not badly hurt!

I think gsbeamer has it right about the lesser charge.

Russ