Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > Telly Alert: Tonight (Tues) BBC1, 9.30pm - Traffic Cops

[andyb]

Yes i aggree about the speed, i dont believe it was said, although there are formulas for working it out from a variety of means, not least the rather extensive striations left by the bike.
When will we understand that whether right or wrong speed limits, white lines are there! " its allright your worships, ive assessed the road, and the white lines are indeed wrong, it was safe to overtake!" yeah right, your going to get off with that one. If they are there, you have to, 1) accept what they are trying to tell you, 2) abide by them!
We did see the impact marks on the car, with the damage to the offside rear, and the extent of the 'punt' that put it towards the post. Both damaged vehicles, the st170 and the bike, were travelling in the same direction.
Witnesses, we all know that two people will watch the same thing and give completely different stories, but you still have to listen to what they say. ps, dont get so hung up on your own abilities.
Where did it say it was a 600 bandit? as they did it as a 1200 aswell, i bet one of those could get near to that figure.

He was found guilty, and got 61/2 yrs. A jury (made up of the public) obviously had no doubt who was in the wrong.

In my humble experiences, all im trying to say is that there is a fine line between having "a moment" and what ends up as total carnage.

That may be a key to why such large perameters are put on things like speed limits and white lines?

[antonye]

I agree entirely Andy, but the point is still valid that it's difficult to make an informed decision without knowing all the facts.

As for it being a 600 Bandit - it said so on the tail unit!

[Iconic944ss]

As much as I can see both points of view here, the sad facts that the bike rider had been drinking and using a controlled substance together is a convincing enough argument I think.

Didnt they say he also had the spare set of brake pads still in the box 'ready to fit' - so he must of known his brakes were worn at the very least.

I have to say I think the penalty was still harsh - having to live with the fact of killing a girlfriend is unimaginable enough.

I missed the beginning of the prog but thought it was good to see the cops as 'real people' for a change - not just robots following a programme.

Most seemed genuinely focused on saving lives and reducing accidents. I even managed a laugh at my own recent events when the camera cop at the end admitted to having 3 points on his licence.

End of soap box session - honest !!!

[MJS]

Didn't see the programme but....

Anyone riding a bike or driving a car whilst under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances can't really have any complaints, and to do it with a pillion (I assume his gf was on the back?)... Don't know about you lot but I become the most careful rider out there if I've got my girlfriend on the back. If I'm on my own, make a mistake and get hurt, well that's my responsibility, but taking risks with someone else's life? No thanks.

[Iconic944ss]

GOOD CALL !!!

[antonye]

Originally posted by Iconic944ss
Most seemed genuinely focused on saving lives and reducing accidents. I even managed a laugh at my own recent events when the camera cop at the end admitted to having 3 points on his licence.

Actually, I thought that this particular bit was very hypocritical of that particular policeman.

Wasn't he the one at the start of the program that said "if we reduce our speed by 1mph we will save X number of lives" or some other meaningless quote but then sat there laughing that he had been caught speeding himself?

Not exactly the best example to set if they really think that SPEED KILLS!!!!111!!!seven

[Guido]

I'm sorry to upset anyone but 6.5 years for that was a joke. He should have got life in my book. As motorcycle riders we know how vulnerable we are when fully alert let alone when we have substances in our bodies that are proven to impair reactions and judgement.

The bloke got off very lightly in my book. Shame the same couldn't have been said for his poor pillion.

I have no allegiance when someone takes the p1ss. I would still chin a 'compatriate' in a helmet if he risked my life too much through selfish, idiotic and downright dangerous riding as much as I would a car driver.

Still a fact of life that we as motorcyclists are blanketed and deemed to be reckless roadusers regardlesss of how the majority of us ride or how many courses we've been on to improve our skills.

These types programmes just grab the worst examples and glorify them. The same is seen on property programmes where they geefully show complete idiots lose thousands. 'We' as a race don't want to see steady, 'prudent' programmes. 'We' want to see the obscure, out of character activites or so TV producers would have you think.