CanoeU92

A group of seven cyclists were riding together on Sunday morning when an SUV crashed into them. Story here.

Moe Zhoost

Straight but narrow 2 lane road. Speed limit 40 mph. Sun should not be a factor at 12:30 PM when the collision occured. Cyclists were hit by a motorist driving in the opposite direction. I doubt that these 7 riders were salmons so the driver weaved across the center line. How difficult is it to control your vehicle.

Gyro

Texting... Know a guy hit riding a Harley this way. He can't walk anymore. At least 2 others involving cars, both had a DOA.

Moe Zhoost

Probably, even though driving and texting is illegal in MD. I don't like making uninformed guesses though ... the driver may have had a severe medical event. I hope that they do a thorough investigation and if the driver was texting, punish him or her to the full extent of the MD law:

Disgustingly light, huh?

CoffeedrinkerNC

Driver is going to get a plea deal from the most vehicular manslaughter, spend 1 year in jail.

Using your phone while driving is the norm, 99% of the people do it. Until we change society, it's not going to stop. even in countries with strict laws and enforcement like Australia, people still play with their phones while driving. Lots of people have been told from day 1 they are special, special people get to break the rules.

Mad Honk 

Here in Middle Indiana the crossroads of America where Mike Pence is a FORMER governor. Our legislators went against conventional wisdom and passed a no cell phone use while driving law, to be instituted July 1 2020. Comes with a mandated $500 fine for infraction. I suspect there are a whole bunch of Millenials who are going to be funding the state's coffer on July 2 2020. JMHO, MH

CoffeedrinkerNC

Only if the police enforce it. North Carolina is handsfree, but I still see people with a phone up to the side of their head, the police do not enforce this law.

Chistophe516

I just moved from that state, four months ago. In the previous thirty-five contiguous(4+yrs. living in Minn.) years. I never lived in that county. But it didn't matter what county you lived in. They all drive like only cars are on the road.

jimincalif

California has had a no phone while driving law for some years now. If anything it has gotten worse. Riding around, almost everyone is futzing with their devices. Squeezing in a text message at every traffic light. Close to zero enforcement as far as I can tell.

Bmach

Cell phone os should be programmed so that they do not function when a car is going faster than 5mph, unless connected to Bluetooth.

CoffeedrinkerNC

But, what about the passengers, they shouldn't be punished....

Moe Zhoost

Use of hand-held phones for talking is legal in NC. Using your phone for texting or email is prohibited unless hands-free. Under 18, you're not allowed to use any electronic device. See the General Statutes here. Page down to .137. Also important to note that in NC texting is a "primary violation" meaning that you can be pulled over solely for doing it. In other states, texting may be a "secondary violation", where it can be cited only in addition to another violation.

We still don't know if texting was involved. The driver is my age and I can generalize that most of us old folks don't text a lot. I hope there is some follow-up so we can direct our outrage accurately.

Curiously, one of the news outlets published a description of how MD had a 3 foot rule. I really, really, really doubt that this rule was intended to apply to oncoming vehicles crossing the center line.

Gyro

I'd bet I'm also in your age group 60+. I text all the time. As does all the other people I know in my age group. I generally send voice texts. The phone records what I say and it go's out as a message.. Hate typing on the phone, large hands.

Notso_fastLane

Punished? This isn't punishment. That mentality is a big part of the problem. The only thing that should work while a phone is moving is the navigation app.

CoffeedrinkerNC

Why should a passengers phone not work in a moving vehicle?

Bmach

Because of stupid drivers. Something has to be done and the laws are not working.

CoffeedrinkerNC

Holding others accountable from someone else action will never work,

Why not try and go for more training before people can get a DL?

Korina

The article didn't answer the most important question; were the cyclists wearing helmets?!?