About a month after a Whitby cyclist was struck and killed, the motorist involved has been charged with careless driving.
A story on the Durham Radio News website says that 53-year-old Whitby resident Elizabeth Reid has been charged with careless driving, after Maurice Hale, 58, was struck and killed by an overtaking vehicle. The report says that Hale was wearing a reflective vest and had flashing lights on both the front and rear of the bicycle.
Personally, I think the charge should be manslaughter.
Posted by: Greg_Uebele | May 18, 2012 at 11:38 PM
I suppose, taking into account how often no charges are laid in car bike incidents, we should be glad there is any charge but I wonder just how "careless" you have to be to miss a rider with a reflective vest and flashers. Some people might even think this is dangerous driving rather than just careless.
Posted by: David Hendry | May 19, 2012 at 10:16 AM
It's quite unfortunate that Maurice Hale lost his life in such a terrible way because accidents caused by careless driving can be avoided. Well, at least justice has been found for his death. Let’s hope though that the Whitby careless driving charge will continue to be in full force since it will force Whitby motorists to exercise caution while driving on the roads.
Posted by: Whitby | May 23, 2012 at 07:59 AM
Is this just another example of why no one pays much attention to the importance of the life of a cyclist and why many people are so afraid to cycle instead of driving in their steel cocoons! It appears that taking the life of a person on a bicycle is an inconsequential event that is only penalized with a slap on the wrist of the driver.
Posted by: Bruce H | May 24, 2012 at 06:10 PM
only a careless driving charge... disgusting.
Posted by: chrisM | May 30, 2012 at 12:31 PM
Hi Bill
I have a photo of the ghost bike that the family put up in their dad's honor if you care to post it
Posted by: Joe Arruda | June 12, 2012 at 09:00 AM
Hi Joe,
I'd be happy to post the pic.
Posted by: Bill | June 15, 2012 at 06:45 PM