YOU BE THE JUDGE!

[@jonsander895]

A 20-year-old kid with a bad driving record, no training, and no driver's license gets one of the fastest motorcycles ever made as his first street bike, and then proceeds to ride like an idiot. Is ANYONE surprised by how this ended up? The judge should definitely throw the lawsuit out.

[@JCunningham21]

the truck drive should get paid. He has to live with this the rest of his life. Even when its 100% not your fault it hurts to know someone died. You think well if i had not gone to work that day or if i had stopped for a coffee that kid would be alive and you blame yourself.

[@samb6742]

I agree they should be thrown out and I hope mama does not feel too bad because she was part of him getting the motorcycle it’s not her fault that she really didn’t know her sons personal life as much as we should sometimes I pray for her not to feel guilty

[@intooblivion2114]

My opinion, if he had no motorcycle DL, was going about 140 in a 40 zone, had a suspended or no regular drivers license , he had no business driving anything. Under those circumstances I’d say it was totally the motorcyclists fault. Tragic he died, sorry for the families loss. My opinion the truck given the information at hand should not be liable. 🤷🏼‍♂️ 👍😎

[@pujabelgian]

I'm not sure this kid should have even had a bicycle. He had no respect for life. The good news, if there was any, he only killed himself. The mother could have lost everything. The kid must have been raised on video games or maybe he had a death wish to go out in a blaze of twisted glory.. same thing.

[@whollymindless]

I feel for the truck driver.

[@ronmeadors8035]

As a retired trucker with 4 million miles ,looking far ahead and keeping an "out" in mind and generally avoiding and spotting potential situations is a habit that constantly needs reinforced. I bought your book after getting back into motorcycling after a too long absence. It helps immensely and drives home the point of never letting your guard down. I avoided a busy city intersection crash the other day. A car I had my eye on did what I thought it was going to do. Pulled out in front of me .I avoided by looking ahead , anticipating. slowing down and having an out and hard counter steering . You're spot on. I practice your maneuvers on a regular basis and watching your videos keeps me mindful. I give you credit for me avoiding a serious accident. I'd recommend it to anyone. Most importantly, I'd recommend they practice what you teach . It'll save your life . Appreciate your videos!

[@garynelson9538]

I agree with you Ron Meadors

[@lewsoltis5142]

Mother was insane for making it possible for her incompetent son to be driving, what amounts to be, a lethal weapon in his hands. Trucker had absolutely no liability in this collision.

[@davidromero2870]

Very true!! I have a feeling this is a case of “ the fruit not falling very far from the tree”.

[@gwynnromano5881]

My guess she was a single mom and had spoiled this kid his entire life. Sad.

[@davidromero2870]

@@gwynnromano5881 not an excuse, I’m sorry, but I don’t buy that. My mother was a single parent and didn’t raise my brother and I to be spoiled. If you want it, work for it. If you make a mistake due to poor or foolish judgement then pay the consequences in your own.

[@jhask64]

@ David Romero I did not read Gwynn’s comment as an excuse but rather a sad explanation of what probably happened. I agree. Spoiling and enabling kids leads to very bad endings. (They DO need to work for it.)

[@MotoControlEn]

WOW, you've got quite a garage!😍 Looks like a small dealership!

[@motorman857]

For a second there, I thought you were my mother in law 🤣

[@thanosetsitty1896]

🤣🤣🤣

[@MotoControlEn]

@@motorman857 🤣🤣

[@Foreigner_2024]

Darwin award winner. People like this are what makes my rates go up and gives all Motorcycle riders a bad name.

[@MrLineHaul]

What gives motorcyclists a bad name in my personal opinion is mostly young people of the ages anywhere from let’s just say 18 years old up to however old,let’s say 35 years old where they don’t have enough experience they don’t understand how the machine really handles and how much damage it can do, they get in a lot of trouble obviously and a lot of accidents and the rest of it is media blowing it out of proportion as well.

[@eddie8279]

A sad situation,a young man with no regard for safety,and no understanding of accountability paid the price. It is disturbing that so many perceived "deep pockets" companies and even individuals have to pay to defend themselves in situations caused by people who have no clue as to responsibility of how their actions affect others. Good job to the jury for recognizing this.

[@Mike-lc1wk]

Hey motorman looks like to me he Had no experience riding at that speed bad judgment cost him his life i’ve been riding for 48 years and I still don’t know it all. Thank you for your videos because you have showed me tips that help me be a better rider..

[@jessebalboa4717]

Great content, great new content idea. I’m sure you have a ton of stories and scenarios from your experience as a moto officer and rider. Suggestion - use some visuals, drawings, etc. to describe the situation. Picture is worth a thousand words!

[@mhoeij]

Jerry, I watched a lot of crash videos on KZbin, and indeed, even though it may hard to believe for non-riders, it really does happen that riders become unable to steer when they get scared. It's surprisingly common. What is also surprisingly common is that riders are so afraid of the front brake that given the choice between proper braking and hitting something, they'll choose the latter.

[@nakedsteve6757]

Learning how to use your front brake properly is sooo important and emergency brake practice regular routine for me.

[@jaypino2642]

I did put 40psi in the front and it absolutely made a difference.Thank you.

[@billmoran3812]

Clearly, as you said, the rider was completely at fault. No experience, no training, no license, no skills. I realize it would be inadmissible, but the mothers decision to co-sign for the son is certainly a contributing factor. She could have prevented this tragedy and did not.

[@briandow2262]

Human Error. Sometimes it really hurts. I would know. I lost my 40 year old son to a Motorcycle Crash this Summer. I don’t have enough information to know if it was his fault. Unfortunately I guess it doesn’t matter, he is Gone. RIP KYLE

[@torquer9669]

My condolences Sir. ☮️

[@babybugspaw7085]

My condolences Mr. Dow, that’s just heartbreaking. Very sorry for your loss,

[@rev7son]

Wow..with great power comes great responsibility … Did the co-signee have a M endorsement on their dl ? If not I question why any dealership would sell those potential buyers a bike like that.. And what ethical bank or lending institution would approve a loan for that transaction…I assume the state of Florida wanted answers to these questions also.. RIP to the victim of this horrible situation… that should have never been allowed to happen in the first place

[@noahmercy-mann4323]

There is such a thing as "realistic expectations" when driving, and the trucker had no realistic expectation that someone with no license (let alone no motorcycle endorsement) would be traveling over triple the posted speed limit and fail to continue straight after he had cleared the lane. 100% the rider's fault, and yet another statistic of motorbike fatalities by those with no motorcycle certification/endorsement. Get rid of those fatalities and the ones involving impaired riders, and bikes are amazingly safe.

[@fixento]

Your conclusion is valid since the kid was speeding and a novice on the bike. But since a motorcycle has a small profile, as you stated, these people had no idea of the speed the kid was traveling at. I'm surprised a kid that hasn't ridden a motorcycle long enough to understanding counter steering, or not using the front brake is 70 percent of braking could handle a bike at 140 mph. If the kid was doing 140 mph, and with only the rear brake applied it would have taken the bike around 250 to 300 yards to stop. The truck driver didn't see the motorcycle, for one of several reasons, distance the motorcycle was at, unintentional blindness, or because the driver is only using one eye to look down the road for traffic, his nose is prevents him seeing it with the other. Some of the reasons to slow down at intersection because drivers judging the speed of a motorcycle is difficult with two eyes and more so with only one. What I don't understand is how this kid, with no temporary motorcycle endorsement on his drivers license secured the insurance necessary for the loan since a motorcycle license is required.

[@thomasallen832]

Unfortunately a few weeks back I lost a friend in the exact same manner! He was licensed and very experienced rider but he was running around 140 mph. The driver of the car was in NO way shape or form at fault. Those speeds off of racetracks only! Those speeds are fun but they are also extremely dangerous! I’ll always miss riding with you buddy! 😪

[@gdavid71]

Great segment. As much as I like to defend motorcyclists, in this case I would agree with the jury. I got my MC license at 16, but only because my father made me take a MSF course. This was 35 years ago, and the knowledge learned in that course has kept me riding without injury since then. I feel for everyone involved in that accident, but sometimes it can be the riders fault.

[@tvstevie9594]

The son was guilty of reckless operation and the mother is guilty of wrongful entrustment!!!

[@aaronpettigrew9674]

As a trucker and a rider (practicing your course a little at a time) I can say for certain that motorcycle speeds really are hard to judge from the high vantage point we have but going at extreme speeds like this, even with lights on the bike, that rider would have seemed way far out from the intersection to that trucker and the trucker couldn't have known. A little extra time and the trucker might have picked up on it but the motorcycle would have still been at traffic speed by the time the trucker had to focus on where the truck and trailer were going through the intersection. All aside from the fact that the rider had no business on a bike, let alone a bike like that, a trucker has to pay attention to where all 18 tires are going through an intersection maneuver whether turning or not. The driver would have already been committed to the crossing before the bike had that much speed.

[@jomamma1750]

My analysis: The Mother was a wacko and therefore she gave birth to a wacko. At some point she regretted giving birth to the wacko and was unhappy with his presence. She co-signed for the 'busa hoping the son she could no longer stand would go out and commit suicide and she could collect a small fortune in court. She almost pulled it off. Well done, jury, well done. Yes, people ARE like that.

[@georgiosmaragkoudakis5570]

I agree. People are like that!!!!!!

[@andyperkins8620]

Had the truck driver had any licensing issues like the rider did or over on his hours of service he'd been at fault for not having a legal right to be there. As a truck driver I've known of this happening. As far as this accident, the rider had no legal right to be there because of no operator's license or a motorcycle endorsement. he is also at fault due to his speed and lack of control of the motorcycle. The big lesson for us all is don't ride like an idiot like this guy did.

[@AV84USA]

The facts,as you lay them out, really only lead to one verdict.

[@gulfflier4700]

"buying my video your saving 8 bucks,,,,that's two gallons of gas" Sir as entertaining as your are informative. Good at arithmetic too! Thanks for the tip of 40 PSI of air.

[@darrananstey69]

that is such a heartbreaking thing to happen, for all concerned, including the truck driver. if it was me, I couldn't lay any blame on the truck driver, you can understand the mother wanting someone else to be at fault because she lost her son. young lads think they are invincible until they aren't. it is sad to say, the young man is at fault, no question about it

[@Roadglide911]

I was a truck driver many years ago for a local construction company. One day I was going to get a load of sand from a sand plant. The plant was located out in the country and the only way to get there was to drive down a hilly curvy two lane country road which was about 5 mile long. I was about half way when a guy on a motorcycle passed me in a curve up a hill and I would guess his speed to be in excess of 80 mph. I looked over to the guy I was training and said that guy won’t be living long. I continued to the sand plant picked up my load and started my return trip. Again about half way I spotted a truck stopped in the opposing lane and the driver was standing in my lane. I stopped the driver looked at me with tears in his eye and a look of terror. I jumped out of my truck and asked what was wrong and he pointed to a near by yard and there laid a motorcycle all mangled and the same guy laying face down. I ran over to him and all I could hear was gurgling. Now I was trained in combat first aid and at this point it’s life over limb. I was going to tell my trainee to assist me in removing his helmet in an attempt to clear his airway when a supposed nurse came running up screaming don’t touch him I’m a nurse. She did absolutely nothing to help this young man and kept screaming you’ll paralyze him. In Elantra event the young man laid there and passed away. My inaction because of that idiot still haunts me today. I wonder. In any event the riders mother told the truck driver that she told him what was going to happen and that he should let it go which I thought was admirable. Would he have lived? I don’t know, but I still think of that idiot nurse when I see a bike down.

[@georgezuraitis9279]

I always say that when an artist draws someone on a Huyabusa, it's outlined in chalk.

[@old_slow_guy3337]

20 years old + Hyabusa = R.I.P.

[@moosecapades1722]

Organ donor.

[@stevenjones7591]

Went to a empty parking lot the other day trying to do the figure 8 in the four parking spots dropped the bike four times was getting the hang of it toward the end can't wait to go practice this weekend. Crazy crash scenario no reason to be going 140 mph they have drag strips for that.

[@fedup7416]

The mother is largely the guilty one for poor parenting.

[@floridalife215]

Guilty of what?

[@grantodaniel7053]

@@floridalife215 Guilty of enabling her son to obtain the means to his own death and potentially the deaths of others.

[@conard5381]

You are exactly correct. Better parenting and he is still here. Just look at his driving record and she allows him to have a motorcycle

[@kcav5374]

When I was a kid I'd do stupid things like take my dad's car out for a joy ride (before old enough to drive) around the block or down the street. drove my own car with out insurance at times, etc. I'm 69 yrs old now and in this kid's case my dad's words came back to me, "If you get in an accident or get stopped by the police It's ALWAYS gonna be YOUR fault because you weren't supposed to BE THERE!" I'm sad to hear of ANY motorcyclist getting hurt or killed as I still ride. But the fault of this s all on him and sadly his mother... :(

[@trevortrost4386]

In my non expert opinion, the analysis you provide is spot on. I have seen, and unfortunately have even done the wrong thing because I had no formal training. Have since taken CMSP courses and use your videos. As well, 20 years old, and has the "Need for Speed" itch he can't scratch, thought he was an expert because had never been in situation, etc.... Worst part, the Truck Driver now has to live with all the doubt, bad feelings, possible nightmares..

[@PepperGeorge]

Great video, Great story

[@michaeleisen5445]

This was me in the sixties on my Triumph, except that I had a license. Speed, street racing absolutely no regard for anything. Yes I had lots of tickets and accidents. Some of my friends are dead, some are crippled, some suffered brain damage. I realized that I probably survived because those bikes were no where as fast as today's sport bikes and I had a small window of escape because of the slower speed. I often wondered why these young kids were having so many accidents, I learned one thing after riding my friend's Ninja, the bike accelerated so fast that I couldn't process the road in front of me fast enough, and by the time I saw that I could be in trouble it was too late to do anything. I believe I only survived because the bikes were slower back then. After an accident people leave flowers at the scene if there's a fatality. I am reminded of one accident on a road that I have blasted down many times on my Triumph and even my FLHTC. If you know how to pick your line around the curves you can go at a high speed. Well I saw flowers on the road, the rider on a sport bike, probably showing off to his girlfriend snapped the throttle on the small straightaway before the first curve that in my opinion is not that difficult if you set it up properly. Obviously this guy was going way too fast or lacked experience, couldn't make the first curve ran off the road, he's dead the girl somehow survived. Too fast, lack of experience, couldn't process the road fast enough because of the brutal acceleration.

[@markwhatley9955]

Sad story. I agree with the jury’s verdict. Thanks, Jerry for the front tire inflation tip.

[@cliffordperanio9929]

I went from a mini bike to a HondaMatic back in the day and to a 175cc then to 305 then to a 450 then to a 750 then a 1100 and through the years I kept on going stronger and stronger and now I’m riding a 2015 Harley Davidson St. glide special. I’m now 72yrs. Old and starting to look at the new Harleys with a little more power and there new braking system

[@michaelfinney2160]

Sad situation for sure ! Guy shouldn’t have even attempted getting a bike especially with no license or motorcycle license and even no motorcycle training. Other party shouldn’t have even thought about co-signing knowing his situation with no licenses or training for motorcycle riding. End results are one dead and one that wished to God they hadn’t co-signed ! No winner Have a Blessed Day Sir. Really enjoy your knowledge filled bike videos

[@SoloPilot6]

100% rider -- even aside from riding without a license or M endorsement (administrative violations), he was several times the speed limit (laws of physics violations). Think of it as evolution in action.

[@frankm2348]

Jerry, can I run 40 pounds in front tire if I have spokes with a tube?

[@kevinferry126]

Thank you for the tip on the front tire inflation for HD. I will give it a try, In my opinion, the rider bear responsibility. Unfortunate as the outcome is, there are too many red flags that indicate he was not knowledgeable or skilled to be riding. Tragic.

[@lilymcalister1825]

can I do same in an Cheiftain Indian...40psi air front tire?

[@motorman857]

Try it. If you don't notice any difference, at least you will have checked your tire pressure.

[@8Throtl1]

40 lbs on the front is good for Goldwings as well! Thanks!

[@chadbaillie6760]

counter steering is awesome

[@georgiosmaragkoudakis5570]

Countersteering (or "gyroscopic" in some parts of the wold) it's the 99% way of riding any push or motor bike. The big difference is to have the knowledge, the will and wisdom above a certain level to use it responsibly as required at the local coditions.

[@locomotiveengineer4779]

Hey Jerry, great new type of video. The fact that the young man had no license and no training etc makes me feel that he was 100% at fault, especially at such a high rate of speed. As a parent, I'm sure the mother will feel remorse, regret/guilt for assisting her son in purchasing the bike. In regards to the truck driver, I feel he had absolutely no responsibility for the accident, especially since an eyewitness testified that the truck driver did indeed stop prior to entering the roadway.

[@caseyandteresadolph1905]

The moment you said 20 year old suspended license and the word hayabusa I knew it was his fault

[@lorrainetulini]

I'm only 5 ft woman and weight 140 and just got my license what do u think I should ride after riding a 250 honda rebel

[@garycordle5295]

Myself I would try test riding a 883 Harley sportster, just my opinion though 👍 be safe.

[@motorman857]

Here's the easy answer. Get my Ride Like a Pro Experience video and practice all the exercises in the video in the order shown. When you can complete that on the 250 with ease, get any bike you like, take it to the parking lot and do all the exercises again. Then, you'll be ready for the mean streets.

[@MichaelBrown-ny3et]

The facts speak for themselves.

[@MCAdventurerHD131]

I like the segment!!

[@ericnegrete2540]

I believe as soon as you get on a motorcycle you know the risks involved therefor you assume the liability unless there is gross negligence on behalf of the car/truck or whatever it may be … I’m 25 and every time I get on my heritage softail the only thing that goes threw my head is 3 things 1.) enjoy the ride 2.) ride like your invisible 3.) you have a 1yo baby girl at home that needs you to make it home

[@petebusch9069]

Is it a pain to keep that floor clean?

[@motorman857]

I've had it about 8 months. So far, one time I blew it off with a leaf blower. That's it.

[@petebusch9069]

@@motorman857 Looks good.

[@darknitethunder]

Having No Driver License and being place Under Suspension and then talking his mother into co-signing for one of the fastest motorcycle on the road and without Motorcycle Endorsement, spells Bad News. This pass June made my 62 years (started when I was 6 years old) of riding motorcycles, I've had Driver License for 50 years, and 21 years of those were with a CDL and all the endorsement at the start of those 21 years. What I learned in my early years as a driver is, you don't do anything without the proper license , endorsement, and insurance. The insurance being the most important one of all. With all that said it sadden me to hear stories of any youngster loosing their life too early. Ride safe today, and live to ride another day tomorrow.

[@leop4017]

I definitely like the video Jerry. My only note for future videos would be do not tell us the original judgment, to not influence our own. Otherwise, phenomenal video.

[@my2wheels]

👍🤩👍you are the man Jerry!👍🤩👍

[@gnrands50]

I like this "You Be the Judge" concept. It is both interesting and informative. This particular case is easy. The motorcyclist was completely at fault. The idea that relatives of this young man should receive money as a result of his negligence does not seem right. It also does not seem right that a person without a license should be able to ride off from the dealership with a motorcycle. Thanks, Jerry, I hope you produce more of these YBtJ videos.

[@williampoff3096]

I sure feel for the family, but the boy needed some guidance. Bad driving record, with a history of not having any restraint, and one of the scariest motorcycles ever made for a first bike. A recipe for death on 2 wheels. If you could have got to this kid Jerry, he might still be here. God has a plan and a reason for things. Even when it's hard to see. God bless this poor family and may God keep y'all all safe🙏

[@56Spookdog]

Knew a guy that was the wheelie king of the area he would go for a mile or more, freeway, streets, and a demonstration at Altamont Speedway. He was going 90mph to show off in congested street where all the teens gathered on Friday and Saturday nights to drag race. I believe it was at dusk a kid was pulling out of the parking lot and it really would have been difficult to see the wheelie guy, he broadsided the car hit a telephone pole a third or so high and lived getting away with a broken shoulder. He lied about the crash and got paid out by the kids insurance. He also was so much a show boat he was back on one wheel with his cast on a week or two later.

[@kevincampbell8662]

Does the 40 psi on your front tire work with a Yamaha Vstar950 Touring edition??

[@motorman857]

Check your tire sidewall and look for max PSI. Put 2 PSI under max and see how it feels.

[@NICK_KIRAK]

I can say about us bikers that our speed should not be more than 10-20 miles per hour than the speed of the vehicles we are overtaking. And that goes for every vehicle we overtake. As for intersections you need to slow down maybe even stop to make sure that no one is going from there. Only in this way there is a chance to survive.

[@ClintsCrypt]

Great video. Good learning scenario. 👍 The guy (adult) had no license and therefore was not legally on the roadway. If he had followed the law, he would not have been on the roadway. Thus the accident would never have occurred. Just like DUI accidents are automatically the intoxicated driver's fault (they are not legally on the roadway). Not to mention he was criminally speeding. If someone dies during the commission of a crime, the criminal party incurs culpability. At least those are the way things are in our state by law. 100% fault lies with the boy. The mother was an enabler, but not liable, as her actions didn't not MAKE the guy (adult) drive illegally on the roadway. He was legally an adult, making his own bad decisions.

[@WeirdAlsOdderCousin]

I had a friend back in the '80's that wanted one of the Japanese superbikes. He knew how much saddle time I had put in, so he asked my opinion. I told him that was a very bad idea, and to buy a used 500 to 750cc bike to learn how to ride. I offered to show him as much as I could. He ignored me, bought the bike he wanted and died a week later while RACING someone else on the street. Yet another coffin to carry.

[@8Throtl1]

My question: Shouldn’t the motorcycle Dealer have verified the buyers motorcycle endorsement before he was allowed to purchase? I’ve been required to submit my endorsement for photo copy to “rent” a motorcycle.

[@motorman857]

In FL. you don't need a license to buy a car or a motorcycle.

[@michaelsnyder1162]

The jury nailed it

[@carlaustin7398]

I agree with the jury's decision. However I'm surprised that some big time piece of crap lawyer didn't convince a jury to give the mother a big settlement. I wonder how she would of felt if the son would have killed someone because of his negligence knowing she made it possible for him to get the motorcycle.

[@thelevelrider64]

I won't argue your explanation of his inexperience causing him to steer when he should have counter-steered, but it occurs to me that it COULD have been a case of target fixation, too... if he fixated on the truck, and was looking at the truck, he was pretty much bound to hit the truck! All in all, it sounds like this doofus should not have been driving anything except (maybe!) a bicycle. I'm just glad he didn''t take any innocents out when he self-destructed.

[@annemarie172]

It's unfortunate that the motorcyclist died, but he was completely at fault. . .glad the truck driver was OK and no other innocent people were hurt. That scenario could have ended much worse

[@HJC1950]

I have encountered long-term "riders" who despite many years of riding, insist that counter-steering can't possibly work. Those are the ultimate posers on bikes.

[@jeffdriggs2895]

No license, 140mph, another Darwin Award winner. May sound cold, so fortunate he didn’t harm any others with his stupidity. He is 100% responsible. If any other fault, the dealership selling to unlicensed driver. Thanks for keeping us safe with your online instruction. I’ve learned to improve my skills applying your techniques!

[@jimbarsul6818]

Did his mother take out a large life insurance policy on him before she co-signed for the bike?

[@charlesbehler7024]

In Michigan, any motorist loses his/her right of way if they exceeding the speed limit because other drivers are entitled to rely on the presumption that cross traffic is proceeding lawfully. Also, there are scientific studies demonstrating that drivers have difficulty in judging the -roach speed of vehicles with a single headlight - like the Hiabussa, but unlike most Harley touring bikes. As a lawyer who has taken the Ride Like a Pro class 3 times and attended police motorcycle training for civilians at Midwest Police Motorcycle Training twice and handled dozens of motorcycle crash cases - I have handled several cases resulting from riders failing to counter steer to avoid another vehicle or other hazard - like a pot hole. When testifying, those riders who survived their crash had no understanding of counter steering - which caused the crash in each instance. Each lost their case as a result.

[@robertclark6828]

In my judgement the death was 75 percent the rider's and 25 percent his mother's fault. I consider it lucky he hit an innocent truck and not an innocent family.

[@RoadieWingZZ]

Target fixation is what the rider experienced. It’s a significant problem for new riders when they panic and haven’t built the skills to overcome the tendency. This is the riders fault. Mother made a poor choice and will live it the rest of her life.

[@ahmedabbas3998]

After watching this video I realized that I had always used this technique of 'countersteering' instinctively while riding even without knowing the meaning of that word before.

[@juanmarinez6162]

Best instruction

[@randerson4124]

Jerry, when you were a patrol/motor officer, were you responsible for everything at any accident, from the report to the investigation and the final report and findings, or did your department have a dedicated traffic accident team? Also, when you gave your testimony at the trial,was this as a officer, or as a subject matter expert hired by the truck company?

[@motorman857]

In Pasco the Highway patrol investigates all traffic accidents. I testified as an expert witness for the defense.

[@mattyouds5843]

High speed straight into the side of a truck, I can't imagine the mess that must have made of his body. I feel sorry for the driver having to see that, probably repeatedly for the rest of his life. And then to have the family try to blame him for the crash too.

[@kevink5kev959]

I whole heartedly believe it was solely the riders fault. He had no bussiness driving anything without a DL much less a motorcycle he was never trained for. Also you can not expect another driver to even have you in his vision that far out if he was in access of 100mph which im sure is criminal speeding in almost any state. His mother should field some responsibility here as well. I'm tired of idiots putting themselves into a death/injury positions & then it must be someone else's fault. Take responsibility for your own actions. Thanks for sharing, this was interesting.

[@boogie1354]

All the above, Jerry .

[@justanotherviewer52]

Gotta go with 100% rider fault. P.S. thanks to your previous sharing of the tire pressure tip, I keep mine both at 40 PSI.

[@motorman857]

Me too.

[@jesse1koda2]

Trucking company should go for damages to their truck, lost time , attorney and court fees . This was reckless on the kid his mother and the insurance company. What a shame to lose a life

[@gborg100]

The jury got it right, thanks in part to Jerry.

[@bluesy1234]

The right decision was made.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

Who the hell is the pic of the guy on the top left corner of the RTAP book. Surely ain’t the motorman

[@my.motorrad]

That’s a Paul Harrell line.

[@steveloy8273]

No motorcycle should have been sold to anyone with no license. And his mother should have never have help with the Purchase. Grate video.

[@davidromero2870]

Unbelievable, yet believable, I think mom should bear some of the responsibility for this. Had she not helped with the purchase, her son may be alive today. The sad part is, people do not accept responsibility for decisions like this. It is an unfortunate event that could have been prevented. I hope his family will be able to go on with their lives and learn to deal with the loss. God Bless them and May he help them to carry on with their lives.

[@lilymcalister1825]

Sure, blame the trucker!!! NOT!!! That young "man" *loosly) had no F-ing business on that bike at all!! I can't believe the motorcycle dealership let him leave with it with NO LICENSE!!! R U SERIOUSLY?! Is THAT even legal??? So, my answer is...the "kid" is an adult....he is 100% at fault for stupidity!! end of story!! Mom will never forgive herself, the driver has lost a lot of sleep too I'll bet but ultimately, it's grow up time for this young adult. It was his time, I'm very glad he didn't kill anyone else while he rode his bike like an ass!!! God bless his family through such an ordeal....& such a loss for them, its very sad!! RIP

[@motorman857]

I believe they've now made it illegal for a person to ride away from the dealer unless they have a motorcycle endorsement.

[@lilymcalister1825]

@@motorman857 yayyy!! ( it's illegal in R.I. and Mass for that to happen also). Even though the kid probably would have had a friend rude it off the lot for him...half a mile and then taken it over anyhow.

[@davidromero2870]

@@motorman857 well, let’s hope the dealer follows the statute. But you and I both know, as a LEO, a lot of folks out there believe it’s not illegal until you get caught.. sad to say.

[@hoochiecoochie571]

Clearly not the fault of the truck driver. The fault lies solely with young man on the bike. Unfortunately, it's a mistake that the young man couldn't learn from and move on. The biker had no business whatsoever going that fast and also had no business being on the road with no motorcycle training and especially no license. What was his mother thinking? Or should I say not thinking? As a 911 dispatcher who deals with traffic accidents daily, and an avid licensed motorcyclist of nearly 40 years, I believe you were 100% correct in your assessment.

[@danstrausbaugh6430]

He probably was invisible at that speed

[@walker2837]

With these facts, I'm surprised the defense needed an expert witness.

[@motorman857]

The accident reconstructionist (expert witness) nor anyone else could figure out why he changed lanes as if he was purposely trying to hit the truck. Some said possibly suicide was the reason. I understood immediately that he didn't understand counter/push steering and I could explain it simply to the jury. I also demonstrated it with a bicycle wheel that I spun while each juror held the wheel by the axle.

[@MeettheotherBrowns]

I heard this story before in a video you did maybe 5 years ago. If the mother knew about her son’s driving history she should have been sued by the trucking company (a negligence charge of some sort would be appropriate too).

[@hojo70]

The jury got it right

[@jimalba2651]

Definitely the rider's fault and it's too bad that it cost him his life. Young people tend to think they are invincible and they can do anything and this young rider clearly didn't know how to properly operate the motorcycle. Even so, he was driving at over 100 mph on a 4-lane road and an accident was almost inevitable. I actually feel sorry for the trucker who had to live with guilt he didn't earn. I was pretty dumb at 20 years old, too- I guess I just got lucky to still be here.

[@conard5381]

He made his choices now he has to live with them……….Or not.

[@mr.knowitall6440]

If someone going at or near the speed limit would've had time to slow down, then you can't fault the truck driver. With all of the other extenuating circumstances, the kids was at fault for everything. The mother should be paying the truck driver... 🤨

[@bobellis2912]

What a shame, but definitely the rider at fault. I learned long ago as a rider and car driver, if you’re traveling at an excessive rate of speed on a bike others on the road are not going to see you. At those rates of speed, it’s a blink of an eye between no one is coming and right up on you. I’ll admit, riding fast is a lot of fun but pretty treacherous in traffic situations. Interestingly enough, if you ride a motorcycle at the speed limit, 35 in a 35, 45 in a 45 etc., it’s amazing how many car drivers do see you and give you the correct right of way.

[@savvycavvy7859]

I agree with you. Motorcyclists with knowledge and skill understand the technique about the handlebar movements. It’s not just one objection to this kid, it’s more than one. He shouldn’t have been on a bike to begin with.

[@joecrockett1385]

First of all sorry to hear that god rest his soul, on the other hand as a parent there is no way me or my wife would co sign for anything but education, if you can’t afford it you can’t have it, now I believe if he’d worked for it to save up to get it he woulda respected it more, I can go on and on,unfortunately it was a bad situation.

[@larsblankenfjell9814]

Without a license, going 140, instead of 40, that's make it easy to judge, it was the bike fault no doubts.. Been driving choppers since1975, had som crashes, but nothing serious, so since many years I drive more carefully, and never let my guard down, and at times a treat car driver that an Elk, in other words, Im prepared for almost anything crazy. There are car drivers that are old and half way blind, coming up from the side of the road, and one thing I also learned is to keep well distance to the car infront of you. Im not afraid while driving, but more like a hawk on the road, I always been driving bikes with long forks. My present bike is a Harley (1947), with jokey shift and foot clutch, and 16inch extended fork, steering head angled out, which gives a nice ride. I can go fast when I want to but most of the time I drive like 90-100km/Hour cruising speed.

[@chrishunter5041]

The guys mother is at fault, dose balancing the air pressure work for all motorcycles?

[@motorman857]

It works for many heavyweight bikes and an easy thing to test for yourself.

[@martinleicht5911]

Let's discuss this over a cold beer !! 🍺 😎 👍

[@SPCK111]

Rider. No question.