Another tragedy: cyclist killed, CHP says just an accident?

From Ted Rogers BikingInLA

No wonder we continue to die on California streets, when CHP says killing a cyclist is just an accident

This morning I received the following email from Chris Willig regarding thetragic death of Hollywood writer/producer Carol Schreder while riding on Mulholland Hwy last Saturday.
A public spokesperson for the CHP West Valley station stated in a phone call Monday that no citation has been issued nor is there likely to be one in the December 3rd death of cyclist Carol Schreder in a tragic traffic incident on Mulholland Highway in Malibu.
He indicated that it was a “unfortunate accident” caused when a possibly inexperienced driver of a van towing a trailer applied the brakes too hard. This caused the trailer to force the van to the right in a jack-knife. The rear end of the van caught Carol who was riding on the right of the fog line severely injuring her. She later died in hospital. Because there was no “criminal intent”, charges against the van’s driver are not being considered.

Wait a minute.

Since when has “criminal intent” been a required element for a traffic infraction?

Under that standard, no one would ever be held accountable for any traffic violation in California. No tickets for running red lights. No violations for driving drunk, since it would be impossible to ever prove intent.

Not even a ticket for distracted driving, since drivers could claim they just broke the law without thinking, and didn’t really mean to do it.

You know, just one of those things.

Like killing a cyclist.

Read the complete story in 3 current post:

Breaking news — cyclist killed on Mulholland Hwy

Give your loved ones the gift of peace of mind this holiday season
The tragic news about Carol Schreder brought a lot of responses this morning.

No wonder we continue to die on California streets, when CHP says killing a cyclist is just an accident

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