Feel numb after watching that. 

Poor sod, he looked like a good lad. 

I've just seen that on facebook.

Horrible!

I dont think it was just one persons fault though.

The car should of looked, yes, but the biker shouldnt of overtaken that little red car, right before a junction, at such a high speed.

Agreed, 97mph is way too fast for a road like that. It wasn't entirely the car drivers fault.  

You cover so much ground at that speed. 43metres per second, that's nearly half a football pitch. 

We all know how slowly the average car driver thinks and how little they look ahead 

you have to make allowances for their general fvckwittery cos if you don't it's YOUR ass

usually not theirs. I really feel for the guy and his family but it's hard to imagine what the car driver could

have done to avoid him when he was on them so quickly. 

It's so easy to get carried away when the roads are quiet, but I'm the same as essexocty on the approach

to ANY junction visible or not (usually signposted if on a bend) I back off and make sure I'm either seen

by anyone potentially about to pull out or have clear road and can proceed.  

Still that video got my heart pumping especially as the viewer knew the outcome before seeing the film. 

 

.

Agreed, 97mph is way too fast for a road like that. It wasn't entirely the car drivers fault.

You cover so much ground at that speed. 43metres per second, that's nearly half a football pitch.

We all know how slowly the average car driver thinks and how little they look ahead

you have to make allowances for their general fvckwittery cos if you don't it's YOUR ass

usually not theirs. I really feel for the guy and his family but it's hard to imagine what the car driver could

have done to avoid him when he was on them so quickly.

It's so easy to get carried away when the roads are quiet, but I'm the same as essexocty on the approach

to ANY junction visible or not (usually signposted if on a bend) I back off and make sure I'm either seen

by anyone potetially about to pull out or have clear road and can proceed.

Still that video got my heart pumping especially as the viewer knew the outcome before seeing the film.

.

Agree!

Personally, i think it went wrong when he overtook that car.

With junctions like that, i prefer to stay behind a car. Theyre obviously a lot more visible than a bike so we stand more chance. Id of then nipped past the car after the junction.

Even if that car wasnt there though, he should of backed off and slowed down as soon as he saw the junction coming up, even if there werent any vehicles at it. But especially because there was that black car about to turn.

97mph is a ridiculous speed to approach such a hazardous scenario.

Very sad story. I feel for his family and friends.

No some one else mentioned these but I haven't seen them

 

I might start using mine now! 

 

I wouldn't normally spread around fatal videos, but this one was expressively released by the bereaved family. 

 

Shocking to watch :(

 

NSFW (if you work with cry baby loosers) but definitely not appropriate around little eyes or ears! 

 

http://youtu.be/xq2xStb0R-c

 

 

 

Story here

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/bereaved-family-releases-shocking-video-4165719

 

It takes a fair amount to 'move me' but that really did hit me, stomach was doing flips watching it. I think it was the fact he reacted verbally as he saw what was coming, as his old dear said, knowing his last seconds were fear and that 'oh ****' feeling. Very sad. 

 

I'm the quite proactive when it comes to defensive riding and be as prepared as possible. Blind bends, junctions, overtaking, any time I could come into contact or close to another car I'd rather back off a bit than assume they have seen me. The bloke in the video was moving too quick for the road BUT the car should still have seen him, chances are knocking a few mph would have been the difference between avoiding (or at least surviving) the accident and not.

 

My dad is the old school sensible rider, it's obviously passed it down to me and my brother. While my younger sibling is a little silly when it comes to wheelies, stoppies and burnouts, once he is moving he IS sensible and safe. I think riding as pillion from a young age helped, we saw at 10 years of age how stupid people can be on the roads. My mate on the other hand is a bit kamakazi, I've said time again, I dont mind arriving 10 min after him everywhere because one day I will arrive he wont. Life and the things you do are only as dangerous as you or I make it, I have almost like a risk assessment that runs through my head, every decision I make on the bike, every overtake, every lane change, every time I pull out. If the risk is too high I dont do it, simple. Riding isnt about seeing how close to killing myself I can get, it's a buzz yes, but not that kinda feeling. I want to enjoy it, not be ****ting myself all the time. 

Yeah, I think for the whole second he had to think about it he knew what was coming. :(

I think he'd probably have lived if he'd been doing 60 or may have had 

a chance of stopping, scrubbing off some pace or swerving. I agree the car driver SHOULD have seen

him but should doesn't bring the poor guy back to life. He had 22 years experience

and that experience SHOULD have saved him. He just got carried away. We've all done it. 

Very sobering video, and hopefully its release by the relatives will do some good and make sure 

his death wasn't in vain. 

I might start using mine now!

It takes a fair amount to 'move me' but that really did hit me, stomach was doing flips watching it. I think it was the fact he reacted verbally as he saw what was coming, as his old dear said, knowing his last seconds were fear and that 'oh ****' feeling. Very sad.

I'm the quite proactive when it comes to defensive riding and be as prepared as possible. Blind bends, junctions, overtaking, any time I could come into contact or close to another car I'd rather back off a bit than assume they have seen me. The bloke in the video was moving too quick for the road BUT the car should still have seen him, chances are knocking a few mph would have been the difference between avoiding (or at least surviving) the accident and not.

My dad is the old school sensible rider, it's obviously passed it down to me and my brother. While my younger sibling is a little silly when it comes to wheelies, stoppies and burnouts, once he is moving he IS sensible and safe. I think riding as pillion from a young age helped, we saw at 10 years of age how stupid people can be on the roads. My mate on the other hand is a bit kamakazi, I've said time again, I dont mind arriving 10 min after him everywhere because one day I will arrive he wont. Life and the things you do are only as dangerous as you or I make it, I have almost like a risk assessment that runs through my head, every decision I make on the bike, every overtake, every lane change, every time I pull out. If the risk is too high I dont do it, simple. Riding isnt about seeing how close to killing myself I can get, it's a buzz yes, but not that kinda feeling. I want to enjoy it, not be ****ting myself all the time.

I can relate to what your saying about your best mate.

My dad too is an old school rider, not the fastest but prides himself on safety and thats been passed down to me somewhat.

My best mates a complete loonatic too though, and i also fear that one day he wont make it to his destination.

Yup, exactly the same. The funny thing is, from what my brother has said, it's just as hard to keep up with my Dad because while he doesnt make the stupid moves, he is always looking further ahead and his riding is that much smoother, the kamakazi method isnt always the quickest I suspect. 

That's a difficult watch, wonder how the driver of the car feels. The article said he got an 18 month driving ban after admitting causing death by careless driving but still the psychological effects. Obviously the loss of life is the tragedy here but it's potentially ruined his life too. 

Yup, exactly the same. The funny thing is, from what my brother has said, it's just as hard to keep up with my Dad because while he doesnt make the stupid moves, he is always looking further ahead and his riding is that much smoother, the kamakazi method isnt always the quickest I suspect.

Yes! I know what he means.

I used to find it difficult but have learnt his riding style now, so i know what to expect haha. Also got abit easier since getting rid the sv for the vfr.

Forward planning is the way to be! Comes naturally with experience i think!

That's a difficult watch, wonder how the driver of the car feels. The article said he got an 18 month driving ban after admitting causing death by careless driving but still the psychological effects. Obviously the loss of life is the tragedy here but it's potentially ruined his life too.

I'm not sure 18 month driving ban is entirely fair.

I know he should of looked better but an approach speed of 97mph past a little car might not be too each to spot in time. Especially if there were no headlights on, or the red car and bike had headlights on.

All too easy mistake to make IMO.

That's a difficult watch, wonder how the driver of the car feels. The article said he got an 18 month driving ban after admitting causing death by careless driving but still the psychological effects. Obviously the loss of life is the tragedy here but it's potentially ruined his life too. 

 

I often wonder that myself, I think it depends on the persons attitude in general if they are remorseful at all. A guy I know from a local biker forum was on his way to work and below the speed limit, car pulled out last second and he was in a coma for a while, wasn't expected to make it to the end of the day and is unable to ride any more and permanently disabled, also stopped his career dead. The woman who did it, never asked how the rider was at any stage, never expressed any remorse or attempt to make any apology even at her trial face to face. She got a small fine and a 12 month driving ban. What made it even more disgusting is that she is a senior executive for one of the biggest companies on the planet and works from Dublin, so she doesn't have a UK licence. Thus she was only banned from driving here, she had to go an hour down the road as a passenger then she was free to carry on with not a care in the world. 

The woman who did it, never asked how the rider was at any stage, never expressed any remorse or attempt to make any apology even at her trial face to face.

I'm not sure this is entirely the fault of the individuals or a consequence of the court system, insurance and compensation culture.

Insurance policies generally make it clear that you should never admit responsibility for an accident however stupidly obvious it is, with the potential consequence that the individual may become liable for any compensation claim rather than the insurance company.

What made it even more disgusting is that she is a senior executive for one of the biggest companies on the planet...

So is probably more aware than most that admitting responsibility is likely to cost her personally.

Similarly, as you say there was a trial I presume she was pleading not guilty, and it would be hard to say sorry and plead not guilty at the same time.

Even after conviction, her lawyer probably told her to say nothing so as not to prejudice an appeal should she decided to make one.

It's not nice, it doesn't seem right and to a large extent it goes against human nature to be empathetic, but unfortunately it's where we are.

I'm not sure this is entirely the fault of the individuals or a consequence of the court system, insurance and compensation culture.

Insurance policies generally make it clear that you should never admit responsibility for an accident however stupidly obvious it is, with the potential consequence that the individual may become liable for any compensation claim rather than the insurance company.

So is probably more aware than most that admitting responsibility is likely to cost her personally.

Similarly, as you say there was a trial I presume she was pleading not guilty, and it would be hard to say sorry and plead not guilty at the same time.

Even after conviction, her lawyer probably told her to say nothing so as not to prejudice an appeal should she decided to make one.

It's not nice, it doesn't seem right and to a large extent it goes against human nature to be empathetic, but unfortunately it's where we are.

 

The attitude of the woman from the moment the Police arrived was damning, by the Polices accounts. She didn't even want to remain there as she had a meeting and objected to being arrested. She didn't call an ambulance, didn't attempt to offer any assistance while other bystanders did. Also noted that during her time in custody she never enquired once as to the condition of the person, which legally is not the smartest move as this was used against her in court. 

 

The entire judicial system is hopeless with regards to events like this, had the same woman been stopped with no error in driving the morning after having some drinks and been just over the prescribed legal limit, she would have received a harsher sentencing as legally impaired 'could' have caused an accident. Yet when causing an accident which will in the long run cost the NHS and other public purses millions and destroying some ones life, it's lesser in this and many many cases. It's not that the sentencing options are not there, it's just what is handed out. 

 

Her company is heavily involved in UK road safety sponsorship too, oh the irony! 

I often wonder that myself, I think it depends on the persons attitude in general if they are remorseful at all. A guy I know from a local biker forum was on his way to work and below the speed limit, car pulled out last second and he was in a coma for a while, wasn't expected to make it to the end of the day and is unable to ride any more and permanently disabled, also stopped his career dead. The woman who did it, never asked how the rider was at any stage, never expressed any remorse or attempt to make any apology even at her trial face to face. She got a small fine and a 12 month driving ban. What made it even more disgusting is that she is a senior executive for one of the biggest companies on the planet and works from Dublin, so she doesn't have a UK licence. Thus she was only banned from driving here, she had to go an hour down the road as a passenger then she was free to carry on with not a care in the world.

Its disgusting.

The fact is, people often dont care.

I was knocked off a few years ago. A pickup pulled infront of me, i hit the side of it, all he did was floor it and wheelspun off home. Left me in the middle of the road.

His registration was caught (my myself as i rolled around on the floor). The police turned up at his address as he was necking a bottle of whiskey, trying to make out he wasnt already drunk (he'd just pulled out of a pub before he knocked me off).

Wasnt bothered how i was, didnt care. Only got 8 points for leaving the scene and got off with the driving.

Its disgusting.

The fact is, people often dont care.

I was knocked off a few years ago. A pickup pulled infront of me, i hit the side of it, all he did was floor it and wheelspun off home. Left me in the middle of the road.

His registration was caught (my myself as i rolled around on the floor). The police turned up at his address as he was necking a bottle of whiskey, trying to make out he wasnt already drunk (he'd just pulled out of a pub before he knocked me off).

Wasnt bothered how i was, didnt care. Only got 8 points for leaving the scene and got off with the driving.

 

Sickening, you'd think they would hit the pub for CCTV and witnesses to get him on the DD charge :( Or perhaps they did but his drinking buddies and barman covered for him.  

Sickening, you'd think they would hit the pub for CCTV and witnesses to get him on the DD charge :( Or perhaps they did but his drinking buddies and barman covered for him.

They did get him on the pub CCTV. All from drinking in the bar to driving out the carpark, to driving across the market place, to the junction near where he hit me (didnt quite get the crash in view).

Blood tests showed he had alcohol in his system but they couldnt prove he was over the drink drive limit.

Its disgusting, it really is.

It payed off him leaving the scene, cos he'd of been banned if he stayed and got breathalysed.

I'll get him. I know he still drink drives and i know what he drives and where he does it. So its just a matter if time until i get the perfect chance.

Ideally around christmas. Sometimes you get a few hundred quid reward for reporting em then haha.

They did get him on the pub CCTV. All from drinking in the bar to driving out the carpark, to driving across the market place, to the junction near where he hit me (didnt quite get the crash in view).

Blood tests showed he had alcohol in his system but they couldnt prove he was over the drink drive limit.

Its disgusting, it really is.

It payed off him leaving the scene, cos he'd of been banned if he stayed and got breathalysed.

I'll get him. I know he still drink drives and i know what he drives and where he does it. So its just a matter if time until i get the perfect chance.

Ideally around christmas. Sometimes you get a few hundred quid reward for reporting em then haha.

 

A mate of mine was annoyed at his step father drink driving all the time so reported him one night when he knew where he was going and gave the Police pre warning that he expected this to happen and would call them as and when. The Police were excellent and kept a patrol in the area the entire evening and got him almost immediately. Before he did this he asked my opinion as to if he should report him or not..... Better to do that than to find out he killed someone and you could have had him taken off the road beforehand. Plus the guy is a total abusive tool! A proper nasty drunk and a very very wealthy one. Meant he had to employ someone as a result to drive him around in his nice cars So it even helped the economy! 

On a slightly lighter note (and directed at the younger briski bikers)...

 

The lad turns 17 in a few days and his provisional arrived today.

 

The licence is showing dates on the back against AM, A, B and lawnmowers etc.

 

Do they simply put a date against A and let you work it out for the A1 & A2 classes, or should he actually have dates against A1 rather than A?

 

The helpful leaflet that accompanied the licence isn't that clear :-(

The A provisional entitlement covers them all, what you are allowed to attempt a test for, pass and hold, is then governed by age etc. What's the score with the lad then, looking to get B licence asap? 

It's an over complicated system IMO. (Cheers Europe you tw@ts)

And it's keeping potential new riders from bothering to learn.

So they CBT at 16, terrorise the local area for a year, sell their wrecked ped at 17

and go get a saxo. The system isn't bringing any new responsible riders on to the road

just tracksuit wearing ped chavs.  No wonder we get a bad name. Despite being more highly

trained than an average car diver.  

It's an over complicated system IMO. (Cheers Europe you tw@ts)

And it's keeping potential new riders from bothering to learn.

So they CBT at 16, terrorise the local area for a year, sell their wrecked ped at 17

and go get a saxo. The system isn't bringing any new responsible riders on to the road

just tracksuit wearing ped chavs.  No wonder we get a bad name. Despite being more highly

trained than an average car diver.  

 

Ironically it's better for NI. We never had direct access. You passed test then got full cat A but were restricted to 33bhp for 2 years. Also still in NI you are required once passing both car and bike tests for a period of 12 months from the date of passing to display an 'R' plate and are a restricted driver/rider and not allowed to travel on any public roads more than 45mph (inc motorways). FML! So now we can do accelerated and direct access stuff but still 45mph and try to fix a massive 'R' plate to bike..... 

The A provisional entitlement covers them all, what you are allowed to attempt a test for, pass and hold, is then governed by age etc. What's the score with the lad then, looking to get B licence asap? 

 

Not immediately - initially I'm getting him mobile on the YBR as I think there's a lot to be learned regarding roadcraft and observation by riding a bike, and as well as that it gets him independence (and hopefully out from in front of the XBox for a few minutes a week).

 

If I'm honest, the main reason he'll be on the bike was an incorrect understanding of cost. We set him the task of finding out how much it would cost to have him on the insurance, and he priced up him having a policy with myself and his mother as named drivers rather than the cost of adding him to our policies.

 

Him having a policy for a CR170 Yeti was north of £2K and it wasn't a lot cheaper to insure his mum's Colt. A year's insurance on the YBR is under £300. No brainer. YBR plus insurance was about a grand less then insuring the Yeti and there should be some equity left in the YBR at the end of the year

 

However, I discovered that adding him to my policy or his mums as a named driver whilst he learnt would be less than £300 also, I'm not sure if I'd known that if I would have made a different decision.

 

I would like him to get his B test soon though, even if he doesn't end up having access to a car afterwards

On a slightly lighter note (and directed at the younger briski bikers)...

The lad turns 17 in a few days and his provisional arrived today.

The licence is showing dates on the back against AM, A, B and lawnmowers etc.

Do they simply put a date against A and let you work it out for the A1 & A2 classes, or should he actually have dates against A1 rather than A?

The helpful leaflet that accompanied the licence isn't that clear :-(

Mine says a2 on my licence as i was restricted to 33hp when i first got my licence.

It was automatically derestricted after 2 years.

It still says a2 now, and the date i did my test. I dont have to send it off, but if i did it should come back with a1. An unrestricted licence.

Its still derestricted even though it says a2 on atm; because my 2 years are well over.

Does that make sense? Its a little hard to explain.

Went for a ride tuesday, swapped bikes for a bit with my mate, swapped back and my front break didnt feel right. Wednesday we decided to have a look at it, found a tiny leak on the master cylinder, got a rebuild kit and decided to give it a once over. Opened the reservoir to find some bloody horrible looking, rusty coloured brake fluid. Drained it and dismantled it, found one of the springs that pushes the leaver out had broken and disintegrated. Luckily the kit come with all the bits needed so we set about totally draining and checking everything over. Filled it up and tested it, all seems well now, much better feel. So much for the 'full service' including brake fluid changes! 

 

So with that sorted, attempting London trip for the 3rd time tonight. First time, brothers bike died in Camden, second time got fully drenched and came home, tonight hopefully third time lucky. Brother is going down early with some mates to the Ace Cafe, while me and my mate going down later, we're not fussed about watching all the scooters do wheelies Gonna have a look about, supercar spotting, big ben, etc etc. Should be a laugh.