ARAITN Down! 10/27/07

[TheRepairMan]

ARAITN Down!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

40 year old Joe Howard of Elizabethton, TN known as "araitn" on the crotchrocketracing.com forum, was riding his cobalt 2007 FZ1 through the Mountain City to Shady Valley section of "The Snake", TN 421, today when he encountered a tractor-trailer on both lanes in one of the tighter turns. Joe had no where to go and hit the trailer's wheels resulting in a his back being broken in several places. He is undergoing surgery at this time.

Prayers are needed for Joe and his family, and our community desperately needs riders to sign the petition linked below.

This was the crash scene.

<a href="https://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...rion/tires.jpg" target="_blank">https://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...rion/tires.jpg</a>

<a href="https://www.crotchrocketracing.com/showthread.php?t=3281" target="_blank">https://www.crotchrocketracing.com/showthread.php?t=3281</a>

addendum:

UPDATE Monday, October 29th,07

Looks like Joe is going to pull through although he has some tough road ahead, but you can help prevent another accident like his by signing the petition in the link below. This is real and much needed support for the motorcycling community as a whole.

Thanks in advance for your considerations.

<a href="https://www.crotchrocketracing.com/showthread.php?t=3283" target="_blank">https://www.crotchrocketracing.com/showthread.php?t=3283</a>

<a href="https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/US421/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/US421/index.html</a>

View signatures...

<a href="https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/US421/signatures.html" target="_blank">https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/US421/signatures.html</a>

Joe, you and your wife are in my thoughts and prayers tonight!

Roger

 

[TheRepairMan]

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/US421/index.html

View signatures...

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/US421/signatures.html

 

[keithaba]

That sucks... That is one of the scariest things in the world.

So, is the tractor considered at fault? Can he sue?

 

[black mamba]

I have personally witnessed this " big truck on the Snake " situation more times than I can remember. On one of the last occassions, two riders passed me and went on, out of my sight line. A couple of minutes later, I came upon the wreck scene involving them and an 18 wheeler. The truck was consuming both lanes of the road. I don't know how fast these guys had been going but when they passed me they were not really speeding. I was going probably 25 MPH when I came upon the scene and I was barely able to stop before I hit the truck. One of the riders had slid under the truck and the other had slammed into the rock wall next to him.

Letting these trucks on that road is pure insanity. Excluding the immense traffic safety issue, they cause huge delays in getting across the mountain if you get stuck behind one of them. I've seen them " stuck " in turns where they can't move at all. Unbelievable.

 

[keithaba]

I have to agree that it's just plain stupid to allow huge trucks on these roads. What's even worse, is if you avoid being hit by the truck, and go off the road, it will probably be your fault!

I'm not sure who to point the finger at though, is it the driver of the truck, or the company that expects them to make it somewhere in a given amount of time, thus not allowing them to take the "safer" route?

 

[TheRepairMan]

That sucks... That is one of the scariest things in the world.
So, is the tractor considered at fault? Can he sue?

Sorry with the delay of getting back here. Christmas stuff and my work has kept me very busy, but I have kept up with Joe's physical progress. He's back home and will be starting outpatient therapy soon. He's progressing better than everyone thought he would, but still has no feeling in his feet and ankles. He's a long way from being back to normal, but is working hard and has a great attitude.

I think there is a law suit filed against the trucking company, and the driver was charged with a moving violation, but Joe says he can not speak about the details.

I've noticed we are still collecting signatures in the online petition, but I have read that it was not a valid petition unless it was on paper with hand written signatures. If there is anyone here with the powers to help get truck restrictions on US 421 inacted into law in Tennessee please contact me.

Thanks,

Roger

 

[madmike2]

If the petition isn't a viable project, why not start a letter writing campaign?

All one needs is the name of the Senator, then his address could be found on the internet. Same with the TDOT and the Highway Dept. How about the name of the county, as I'm sure the District Attorney would appreciate a flood of letter each time a motorcyclist is injured in this manner.

THEN, once the campaign begine, bikers will have to watch their "P's & Q's" and set a good example as law abing tourists. Otherwise this will begin to sound like screeching and hollering rather than good citizens demanding change.

 

[MikeYork5]

Good Luck to him!

 

[painman]

Prayers going out to him and his family as well. Problem is even with the laws in place there are Class 1 drivers on the road who really are not qualified. Especially now that trucks are coming in from Mexico. This is a sad day indeed. PM. <>< :angry:

 

[TheRepairMan]

If the petition isn't a viable project, why not start a letter writing campaign?
All one needs is the name of the Senator, then his address could be found on the internet. Same with the TDOT and the Highway Dept. How about the name of the county, as I'm sure the District Attorney would appreciate a flood of letter each time a motorcyclist is injured in this manner.

THEN, once the campaign begine, bikers will have to watch their "P's & Q's" and set a good example as law abing tourists. Otherwise this will begin to sound like screeching and hollering rather than good citizens demanding change.

[SIZE=12pt] This is the thread where all that was started on the local 421 motorcycle forum.[/SIZE]

https://208.109.12.132/showthread.php?t=3283

So far, replys from the authorities indicate passive action toward any changes.

Full size trucks continue to cross daily and take up both lanes un-escorted.

Roger

 

[Toecutter]

Are those trucks crossing double yellow lines? Do they have insurance policies? Seems like some hefty settlements to people who were injured by their client's breaking the law might change some attitudes. Do you know any LEO's who'd be up for an easy afternoon of writing tickets?

 

[GalaxyBlue]

I know my opinion will not be popular in the case, But here it is:

While i have sympathy for the rider, And hope for a full recovery, I cant tell you how many times i have been routed (designated truck routes, US highways) down some of the tightest roads. PA and WV have some really tight ones, And there is basically no way around going down these roads. At least CA has warnings stating trucks over 40 ft to the kingpin not advised, Giving the driver insight to what is to come.

The only way this ban on trucks will work is to limit the length to 28ft pup trailers or straight trucks. A total BAN on trucks will be impossible... So make sure you petition for a reasonable result.

Heal fast Joe,

Adam,

1,200,000 miles safe truck driver

 

[madmike2]

[SIZE=12pt]Caveat:[/SIZE] I'm playing Devil's Advocate in this post...I'm NOT trying to justify any behavior, action, result or reasoning...

________________________________________________________________________

Nothing is likely to be done on an "official level".

1.) We've all seen the videos posted showing riders speeding through the dragon. Some videos have included motorcycles passing over the double yellow line and in curves, a few actually show bikes wrecking.

2.) Trucks have been crossing the lines and blocking the lanes on "The Dragon" for as long as I've been on motorcycle websites.

3.) Every time I read about the "maximum enforcement" by the Highway Patrol in that area there are many "speed" tickets written. And not just to motorcycles, but to sports cars, etc.

4.) NOBODY (myself included) IS GOING TO LIKE THIS ONE: Every motorcycling book and every motorcycling training course tells us (We;..us;...motorcyclists in general) to ride within our sight lines. That way, should we exit a blind corner to find a deer, motorhome, tourist bus, flock of bicyclists or commercial truck blocking the roadway we have time and space to avoid or stop. [SIZE=8pt](When I consider how many times I have violated this principle and survived, it is frightening. I am more lucky than skillful.)[/SIZE]

5.) Logic would seem to dictate, since it is public knowledge and reported with some regularity, that a truck blocking the roadway is a likely scenario...riders should expect or assume the possibility of this on every corner and turn while riding "The Dragon" (and any other twisting road).

6.) By law, the truck can drive that public road. It may not be safe, and it certainly isn't prudent, but lacking signs posted prohibiting access by length, trucks will continue to use this road. (There are several in NorCal where length restrictions are posted...RVs are included on the signage.)

7.) Its possible the trucker's insurance company will use the above public knowledge to defray some of the reponsibility of blame.

_________________________________________________________________________

I know this is going to stir a "hornet's nest" of response, but we all ride where conditions are not perfect....except those who ride during track days. On the local highways in NorCal there are several passes and highways that are narrow and twisty. I love to ride them but I am one of the first to warn others: This isn't the place to be "silly"!

Hwy 4..Ebbett's Pass..springs to the forefront of my memory. EVERY TIME I've ridden that road I have experienced lane violation by bicycles, RVs, passenger cars and pickup trucks....AND motorcycles. Consequently, I have learned and warn others...slow down and ride within your sight lines.

Hwy 49...between Sonora and Mariposa..fun..twisty..elevation changes..unmarked closing radius turns..beautiful scenery..challenging, even at the speed limit. DANGEROUS as cars, pickups, logging trucks, RVs, etc. misjudge corners or are distracted by the scenery. This is the road where I was forced over a cliff by another vehicle in my lane...AND IT WAS A MOTORCYCLE...totalling my '04 FJR.

At some point, it IS our responsibility. As much as being aware while approaching an intersection; the same as constantly and consistently monitoring the actions of drivers (and other riders) around us. This isn't a perfect world and there are no perfect roads because we share them with other vehicles driven by other human beings.

I'm very sorry for this man's injuries. I'm also sorry for the MSF instructor who was injured by another motorcyclist, sliding over the yellow line and crashing into him (IIRC, he lost his leg) within the last year. Since that area is of great danger to bikers, it sounds to me like it would be more prudent to begin a campaign directed at motorcyclists. Signs, flyers, etc. at rest stops and restaurants imploring them to ride within safety and speed limits; share the road; use caution, BE AWARE, etc. It might be easier to get the local politicians behind this type of campaign. OF course, anyone who actually participated in this would be accused of "ruining the fun" of those who come to ride "The Dragon".

Until we, the motorcycling public, set a better example our protests will continue to fall on deaf ears.

____________________________________________________________

Okay...stepping off soapbox...removing "Dad" robes...

[SIZE=8pt](We are now returning you to your regularly scheduled program.......)[/SIZE]

 

[wheatonFJR]

I know my opinion will not be popular in the case, But here it is:
While i have sympathy for the rider, And hope for a full recovery, I cant tell you how many times i have been routed (designated truck routes, US highways) down some of the tightest roads. PA and WV have some really tight ones, And there is basically no way around going down these roads. At least CA has warnings stating trucks over 40 ft to the kingpin not advised, Giving the driver insight to what is to come.

The only way this ban on trucks will work is to limit the length to 28ft pup trailers or straight trucks. A total BAN on trucks will be impossible... So make sure you petition for a reasonable result.

Heal fast Joe,

Adam,

1,200,000 miles safe truck driver

Adam,

It's good to hear the trucker's side as well...

...however something must be done. Maybe some routes should be designated "28ft "pup trailer routes" that designate no escort required for 28ft pups but, anything over 28ft must be accompanied by escort vehicles.

This would save the innocent motorcyclists...squids would still be on their own - as always.

'Course shipping costs would be even higher in these regions due to the "special" shipping requirements.

 

[cougar8000]

sitting very low on the ground and whispering GUNNY to MadMike's post.

Standing up and saying it out load. Heal up Joe, so you can ride another day.

 

[05fjrBluedevil]

My prayers go out to those injured because people willingly or do not know the road and try to navigate through these stretches were there is not adequate room for them to do so safely.

This should be done! Some friend and I were there touring through the area and encountered this same type of thing during EOM September 2006. I think that something should be done to prevent these type of unnecessary accidents from occurring more often.

I had it on video and Ax and ttt barely made it past that semi........ I would say that many would be travelers to group meets run into this thing all the time.

EOM it was the Dragon, bikes crossing the yellow to pass others in you side of the road in 05, after that I adapted to the right side of the lane, but if a semi is over and it should not be there what would you have done, go off the cliffs?????

Yeah i think they should be able to seek restitution from the drivers that cross the line......

Mike

 

[madmike2]

I know my opinion will not be popular in the case, But here it is:
While i have sympathy for the rider, And hope for a full recovery, I cant tell you how many times i have been routed (designated truck routes, US highways) down some of the tightest roads. PA and WV have some really tight ones, And there is basically no way around going down these roads. At least CA has warnings stating trucks over 40 ft to the kingpin not advised, Giving the driver insight to what is to come.

The only way this ban on trucks will work is to limit the length to 28ft pup trailers or straight trucks. A total BAN on trucks will be impossible... So make sure you petition for a reasonable result.

Heal fast Joe,

Adam,

1,200,000 miles safe truck driver

Adam,

It's good to hear the trucker's side as well...

...however something must be done. Maybe some routes should be designated "28ft "pup trailer routes" that designate no escort required for 28ft pups but, anything over 28ft must be accompanied by escort vehicles.

This would save the innocent motorcyclists...squids would still be on their own - as always.

'Course shipping costs would be even higher in these regions due to the "special" shipping requirements.

I've been pulled over on "non-truck route" streets. Once the officer sees my manifest and notes that the delivery is to be made within those limited routes, they let me go. I have a friend who was ticketed, then went to court. The judge negated the ticket and lectured the officer once he established that the driver, in fact, had a delivery and showed the officer his paperwork. Of course, my buddy lost a day's wages to fight the ticket. Trucking companies are currently fighting a City in Sacramento County who limits trucks access and tickets them. Some of their routes don't allow enough cornering clearance to make corners, yet restaurants, stores and home shoppers still demand delivery.

Luckily, I am a local driver and know the local roadways and restrictions. Long haul (Over the road)drivers like Adam don't have that luxury.

 

[madmike2]

Are those trucks crossing double yellow lines? Do they have insurance policies? Seems like some hefty settlements to people who were injured by their client's breaking the law might change some attitudes.

Except....if the truck was over the line and the bike was speeding, then there could be shared culpability. If it were a 35 mph zone and it could be proved that the bike came around a blind corner at 45-50 mph, the insurance lawyers are going to have fun with this case proving irresponsibility of the biker, too. In the end, it is a lose-lose for everyone involved. This isn't a "black & white" issue.

Do you know any LEO's who'd be up for an easy afternoon of writing tickets?

This scenario has proven to be a double-edged sword with motorcyclists coming out LAST! When the "maximum effort sweeps" are reported there is a rather vocal cry from the bikers for being ticketed for speeding, loud pipes, registration of insurance violations, etc. It sounds like the Enforcement Officers are seen as the bad guys for limiting the "fun" of the bikers.

It sounds like the State and County officials see the bikers as a nuisance, and from the amount of crashes reported, an expensive expenditure of tax money.

 

[TheRepairMan]

Are those trucks crossing double yellow lines? Do they have insurance policies? Seems like some hefty settlements to people who were injured by their client's breaking the law might change some attitudes. Do you know any LEO's who'd be up for an easy afternoon of writing tickets?

Here's an answer to your first question.

https://208.109.12.132/attachment.php?attac...mp;d=1193617217

https://208.109.12.132/attachment.php?attac...mp;d=1193664288

These were taken in one of the least tight turns on this section of US 421.

How can the trucks make any time over a route like this? ...and if they do it's far from safely.

My gripe certainly isn't with the majority of drivers. It's with the companies that would force them to run these roads.

Here is a copy of an e-mail sent out to concerned citizens who did contact TDOT about the matter.

"Thank you for your e-mail regarding safety concerns along U.S. Route 421 in Johnson and Sullivan Counties and State Routes 91 and 133 in Carter and Johnson Counties.

Our Regional Traffic Office in Knoxville is presently reviewing these routes for potential sign improvements at the request of Senator Ramsey. The Department has placed truck advisory signs along U.S. 421 to inform motorists of the curvature along this roadway. However, we will review our current signs and consider any potential improvements that may be possible.

Thank you again for your e-mail and if you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Regional Traffic Office at (865) 594-2456."

Sincerely,

Fred B. Corum

Regional Director

FBC/sf