Woman faces life sentence for traffic deaths.

[muttly]

The woman stopped her vehicle in the left lane on the highway to save ducklings. She was subsequently rearended by a motorcyclist killing both riders. The cyclist was traveling 10 to 20 miles over speed limit.
What do you think is proper punishment in this case?
Woman who stopped for ducks faces life in prison

 

[layoutshooter]

The woman stopped her vehicle in the left lane on the highway to save ducklings. She was subsequently rearended by a motorcyclist killing both riders. The cyclist was traveling 10 to 20 miles over speed limit.
What do you think is proper punishment in this case?
Woman who stopped for ducks faces life in prison

Involuntary manslaughter should not be a life sentence. The motorcyclist was also at fault, driving too fast AND following too closely. There is nothing that can be done to fix the stupid part of that woman. That was just a total boneheaded move on her part.

 

[Ragman]

Involuntary manslaughter should not be a life sentence. The motorcyclist was also at fault, driving too fast AND following too closely. There is nothing that can be done to fix the stupid part of that woman. That was just a total boneheaded move on her part.

The cyclist speed is irrelevant. Why in the world would a person stop on a highway for ducks in the median. She doesn't stop, cycle doesn't hit her. Totally her fault.

 

[layoutshooter]

The cyclist speed is irrelevant. Why in the world would a person stop on a highway for ducks in the median. She doesn't stop, cycle doesn't hit her. Totally her fault.

I am NOT excusing that twit for stopping on a highway like that, BUT, IF I had hit her in my pickup truck or my FedEx truck, it would be my fault for following too closely. Had the cyclist not been following too closely, and speeding, he may have been able to avoid that idiot.

 

[muttly]

Agree it was a stupid move to stop on the highway considering the ramifications that might create. Understand though the natural reaction to save wildlife from harm. Just not a wise move. Don't know if she put her hazard lights on. Not sure that would change culpability at all. It appears the cyclist was driving at a possible reckless speed, which might contribute to the accident. IMO the cyclist was driving too fast, especially with a daughter riding along on the back.
Sad case all around, but life sentence I think would be way too much given the circumstances.

 

[layoutshooter]

There is also no excuse for endangering human life to protect wildlife on the roads. It is the responsibility of anyone who drives to be in control of their vehicle, and emotions, so they can drive in such a manner as to not needlessly endanger human life.

 

[SWTexas1]

The cyclist speed is irrelevant. Why in the world would a person stop on a highway for ducks in the median. She doesn't stop, cycle doesn't hit her. Totally her fault.

Does not matter why she stop, it is a diver responsible to fallow at a safe distance that allows them to control their car or bike. That includes being able to stop before hitting another

 

[Ragman]

I am NOT excusing that twit for stopping on a highway like that, BUT, IF I had hit her in my pickup truck or my FedEx truck, it would be my fault for following too closely. Had the cyclist not been following too closely, and speeding, he may have been able to avoid that idiot.

If she pulls off onto the shoulder like she should have, nothing happens. The cyclist speed is a non issue. IMO, of course.

 

[Ragman]

Sad case all around, but life sentence I think would be way too much given the circumstances.

Agreed.

 

[xmudman]

I would give her the 14 years for the lesser included offense; it's enough to send a message. I'm impressed by the wife being willing to forgive her.

 

[Turtle]

I think she should get 20 years, out in 8, and a lifetime ban from driving a motor vehicle on Provincial roads.

 

[muttly]

The cyclist speed is irrelevant. Why in the world would a person stop on a highway for ducks in the median. She doesn't stop, cycle doesn't hit her. Totally her fault.

No doubt her actions were the catalyst for the accident, but the other driving was speeding at a potentially reckless speed, and that was possibly a contributing factor in the accident. The cyclists high speed possibly was a contributing factor, and the difference from what actually happened and the cyclists walking away with a few scratches and bruises.

 

[muttly]

I'd give her two years max.

 

[layoutshooter]

I'd give her two years max.

Only if she serves it all.

 

[Turtle]

It's illegal to stop your vehicle in a traffic lane. It's illegal for a reason. It's because someone is likely to run into the back of your vehicle if you do. Speeding, following too closely, those are factors, but the cause is stopping in a traffic lane in a non-emergency. Heck, it's even illegal to stop on the shoulder unless there is an emergency.

This is how you stop for ducks...

 

[muttly]

So hypothetically of course. If a driver is driving in right hand lane on freeway at 53 mpg (posted 55 minimum mph) and is rear ended by another vehicle. The passengers in the rear vehicle don't make it. What sentence is given to the front driver?

 

[layoutshooter]

So hypothetically of course. If a driver is driving in right hand lane on freeway at 53 mpg (posted 55 minimum mph) and is rear ended by another vehicle. The passengers in the rear vehicle don't make it. What sentence is given to the front driver?

Nothing. That would be the fault of the person that rear ended the vehicle. Most freeways have posted minimum speeds, normally 45, and as long as you are driving safely, within the posted speed ranges, you would be guilty of nothing.

 

[scottm4211]

Nothing. That would be the fault of the person that rear ended the vehicle. Most freeways have posted minimum speeds, normally 45, and as long as you are driving safely, within the posted speed ranges, you would be guilty of nothing.

In the example you quoted the lead driver was 2 mph (not mpg) under the posted minimum.

 

[layoutshooter]

In the example you quoted the lead driver was 2 mph (not mpg) under the posted minimum.

OOPS! I misread that, didn't I? My fault.

 

[muttly]

Oops I mean mph.