Archive for Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Victim identified in fatal motorcycle crash
Police release the name of the man killed a motorcycle accident Tuesday afternoon.
July 16, 2008, 9:35 a.m. Updated July 16, 2008, 11:58 a.m.
Advertisement
On Wednesday, Lawrence police identified the victim of Tuesday's fatal motorcycle accident as Douglas W. Puckett, 43, of Portage, Ind.
Police said Puckett was traveling east on Clinton Parkway when his motorcycle collided with a semitrailer turning south onto Iowa Street at 4:26 p.m. Puckett died at the scene.
Police identified the driver of the semitrailer as Daniel L. Arnold, 52, of Texas.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Police Sgt. Bill Cory said no charges have been filed.
The intersection of 23rd and Iowa streets was closed for more than six hours after the accident while police investigated the crash.
Puckett's brother, Ed Puckett, 59, said his brother had been riding motorcycles for about four years and loved to travel.
"He'd get on his motorcycle and just take off for a weekend or a week," he said.
The Pucketts grew up in Portage, a town about 30 miles east of Chicago. While Ed Puckett and his sister Carolyn, 60, both moved to Lake Havasu, Ariz., Douglas Puckett stayed in Portage, where he worked as an operating engineer.
16 July 2008
at 9:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Trobs (Anonymous) says…
Sounds like either the trucker or the cyclist tried to beat the other. My guess would be the cycle, trucks typically don't have to rush through things.
16 July 2008
at 9:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
jeffds01 (Anonymous) says…
sounds to me like someone had the right of way……bike? or tractor trailer? or maybe someone ran the light (turn signal)
16 July 2008
at 9:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
That is just so crass.
16 July 2008
at 9:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
DonQuipunch (Anonymous) says…
Assuming gross negligence isn't a factor…
As a driver, it's hard to see where a prudent motorcycle rider would have a last minute timing issue with reacting to a comparably slow-moving semi, which, at least in an intersection isn't doing a lot of last-minute darting about.
As a motorcyclist, it's easy to understand that braking is NOT the same as it is in a car and that any number of variables could've ruined this guy's day.
Whatever the cause, this sucks for all involved and it seems kind of early, even for me, to be assigning blame. There are a lot of a-hole semi drivers, and there are a lot of “invincible” motorcyclists… Could be anything at this point.
16 July 2008
at 9:56 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
yellowhouse (Anonymous) says…
I think there must have been some kind of motorcycle convention maybe in Topeka over the weekend?
There were a lot of cycles going through Perry heading towards Topeka on Sunday.
16 July 2008
at 9:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
I disagree with your guess Trobs.
That intersection has a turn-signal only left turn lane.
It sounds to me like the west-to-south turn arrow changed to red, the trucker ran the light and the motorcyclist, heading east, approached the intersection with the right timing to be able to hit the eastbound green light without having to come to a full stop, only to find a semi-trailer pulling across his path.
Of course, this is only speculation based on the setup of the intersection and the respective directions of the two drivers, but any other scenario seems hard to imagine.
Plus, all too many times, I've seen drivers run those left-turn arrows, including semi-truck drivers. And the way the helmet was mangled looked like he probably ran into the side of the trailer, which would be pretty hard to do had he been trying to “beat” the truck driver.
16 July 2008
at 10:01 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
Unless, the biker was blatantly running a red light, it is hard to imagine that the truck had the right of way based on the details of the situation.
16 July 2008
at 10:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ClearSkies (Caitlin B) says…
The residents who lived in my house before my family had the last name of Puckett. The article says he is from Indiana. Does that mean he resided there or was originally from there?
16 July 2008
at 10:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
OldEnuf2BYurDad (Anonymous) says…
I'm still struggling to understand why it took 6 hours to clean this up. Traffic was being diverted to 15th and Iowa, where people needed to turn left onto B. Billings; BUT the left turn signal wasn't working (it would never turn green). We were all turning left on red because we had no other option. That was dangerous, so I just don't get it. Clean up, take measurements and let traffic through so there aren't MORE fatalities. It seemed that their approach to investigating was causing more danger; or at least that's my opinion.
16 July 2008
at 10:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Boeing (Anonymous) says…
ClearSkies - that usually means where the person resides (or, in this case, resided)
16 July 2008
at 10:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
short_one (Anonymous) says…
Wow, I, too, am struggling to figure out why it took 6+ hours to reopen the intersection. I mean, you all weren't even there and you have already figured out exactly how this all went down, including traffic flow, fault and cause of death. Doesn't seem like the trained professionals (EMTs, police, accident specialists, coroner and HazMat folks, to name a few) really needed 6+ hours to reconstruct the accident and cleanup the scene.
*sarcasm here*
16 July 2008
at 10:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
StirrrThePot (Anonymous) says…
Well, now we can put a name to the victim. My heart breaks for him and all those who know and love him. My thoughts and prayers go to them all.
16 July 2008
at 10:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Take_a_letter_Maria (Anonymous) says…
I've got to agree with ls04 that the truck driver probably ran a red light (turn arrow had changed), but I still don't understand what the victim was thinking that he would not be able to see/anticipate the truck turning in front of him.
In any case, it is a sad situation that cost a person his life. Prayers to him and his family.
16 July 2008
at 10:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
lkp (Anonymous) says…
OldEnuf, I agreed with you - I live close to that intersection and cannot imagine what the police had to do that took so long.
16 July 2008
at 10:23 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Trobs (Anonymous) says…
Even if the truck ran the light, the cyclist would've had to have been speeding to slam into the truck hard enough to do that to his helmet. If he had been sitting still waiting for the light to change then it couldn't have possible happened the way it did.
I honestly suspect the cyclist is at fault. Even if the truck ran the light you should be paying enough attention, and it isn't much, to notice the Semi.
Just my opinion though. The facts will come out in the next week.
16 July 2008
at 10:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ClearSkies (Caitlin B) says…
I drove by this morning on my way to the Dr.'s office and saw the big mark in the road where the motorcycle had obviously landed.
Last night there were so many police cars still there around 9 pm that you could see the flashing lights from highway 59.
My stomach turns to think that this horrible chain of events may not be over with.
My prayers go to everyone associated with any of the fatality accidents that have striked around us lately.
16 July 2008
at 10:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Trobs (Anonymous) says…
Nearly forgot. The police are piecing together a fatality involving a very busy intersection and two vehicles of vastly different sizes. This isn't CSI, it takes time to gather all the pieces up so they can figure out what exactly happened.
16 July 2008
at 10:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ClearSkies (Caitlin B) says…
Trobs- I agree with you that the motorcyclist might have been speeding, based off of the damage to the helmet, but I'm wondering if maybe the cyclist went under the semi. Such a thing could easily cause such damage to the helmet, and end Mr.Puckett's life.
16 July 2008
at 10:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Trobs (Anonymous) says…
Very possible. No matter what happened I cannot see how the cyclist could miss the turning semi trailer. Even if the semi ran the light, it's a hell of thing to ignore.
16 July 2008
at 10:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ClearSkies (Caitlin B) says…
No kidding. I think that having a law that makes motorcyclist's use their headlights at ALL times, (even during the day) could keep a lot of this from happening. If it was a matter of the semi driver not seeing the cycle, then maybe if the headlight was on, it would have made a big difference.
16 July 2008
at 10:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
consumer1 (Anonymous) says…
Trobs wht a moronic statement…
I guess if it looks like a skunk
smells like a skunk, … etc. have someone explain my meaning to you.
16 July 2008
at 10:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
countrygirl (Anonymous) says…
Did Mr. Puckett have any relatives in the Lawrence area? Or was it just luck that brought him here?
16 July 2008
at 10:44 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Trobs (Anonymous) says…
People who are inconvenienced by the intersection being closed are the same ones who pass me, going 65, on K-10 doing 75-80 only to have me pull up next to them on 23rd street. Is that extra 2 minutes really worth it?
16 July 2008
at 10:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Trobs (Anonymous) says…
What was my moronic statement? The fact that a cyclist could be at fault? I realize no one in this town wants to admit a cyclist could be at fault, but it is possible. No one is perfect, even you precious cyclist.
16 July 2008
at 10:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
METALQ2 (Anonymous) says…
the helmet was crushed by the weight of the tires that ran over it. God bless all involved and Prayers to you.
16 July 2008
at 10:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ClearSkies (Caitlin B) says…
Countrygirl
I wouldn't necessarily call it luck that brought him here. =-/
16 July 2008
at 10:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Crossfire (Anonymous) says…
Larger vehicles turning left kill more bikers than any other type of accident. Right of way does not matter. Dead is dead.
16 July 2008
at 10:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Haiku_Cuckoo (Anonymous) says…
“No kidding. I think that having a law that makes motorcyclist's use their headlights at ALL times, (even during the day) could keep a lot of this from happening.”
All motorcycles manufactured after 1973 already have daytime headlights. There's no way to turn the headlight off.
16 July 2008
at 11:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
hilary (Anonymous) says…
Guys, it can be hard for family members and loved ones to read your best guesstimates of the details of the accident. It doesn't make it ok that after you talk about crushing helmets and where the cyclist was struck, you end it with “my condolences”.
Please leave your best theories to the investigators on the scene. I'm sure we will know very soon what actually happened, and won't have to subject those reading to the horrible tragedy.
16 July 2008
at 11:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
handley (Anonymous) says…
As a former motorcycle owner I know that cycles are not visible on the road and they have to drive very defensively. I am so sorry that a person lost his life so take this as a sad reminder to be very careful and watch what you are doing out there.
16 July 2008
at 11:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
countrygirl (Anonymous) says…
Ok, rotten luck, but still luck. I only asked because I know some people in Lawrence with the same last name. Very sorry for the family and if it happens to be someone I know I'd like to extend that sorrow in a more personal manner.
16 July 2008
at 11:18 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
igby (Anonymous) says…
I was told the biker ran the light like it was not even there. There was a driver behind the truck that saw what happen.
One second the truck was headed west then quickly south in front of the biker. Theres a slight hill there if your coming from the west and the intersection drops off to the east and north. When the light changes, as you well know, the turn south is done quickly because there are usually many people backed -up to make the south turn; even as far back as ridge court.
This biker just didn't see the change in the light until it was too late. Its like a cliff and a drop off that you don't see until your there. The intersection is somewhat blind, coming from the west; if you don't see the light your in trouble quick.
16 July 2008
at 11:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
igby (Anonymous) says…
The 6 hours may have been to check the light programing too make sure that the traffic light was timed right. They may have ran a test on the light programming to see if the light malfunctioned during time intervals. Computers aren't perfect as you well know.
16 July 2008
at 11:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
“Even if the truck ran the light, the cyclist would've had to have been speeding to slam into the truck hard enough to do that to his helmet. If he had been sitting still waiting for the light to change then it couldn't have possible happened the way it did.
I honestly suspect the cyclist is at fault. Even if the truck ran the light you should be paying enough attention, and it isn't much, to notice the Semi.”
––––––—
I disagree. 35 mph is a pretty good clip and could easily result in a cracked helmet if it it struck the side of a semi-trailer.
I do agree that the motorcycle could not possibly have been sitting at the light waiting for it to change. However, approaching a light you expect to turn green (based on watching the east-to-north turn signal) is a fairly common practice, especially if there is no one in front of you in your lane. The motorcycle could have easily been going at speed (35 mph) upon entering the intersection based on that notion—and I have seen enough semi trailers roll through a light that is red before they even enter the intersection to understand that it is not unreasonable that the sudden appearance of a trailer in front of his path was unexpected.
I will say that it sounds like if Mr. Puckett had approached the intersection with more caution, he could have avoided the semi trailer, but I think you are overestimating the ability of someone going 35 mph (or perhaps higher) on a bike to stop on a dime when a trailer pulls in front of his path.
And at any rate, Trobs, if the semi-trailer was in the intersection on a red light, as seems likely, then it is HIS actions that caused the wreck. If Puckett was speeding, then that would have contributed to the severity of the accident, but the actual collision was caused by a vehicle taking the right of way when it wasn't theirs to take.
But, like you said, this is all opinion until the detailed facts come out. I just think it's a bit odd to be so eager to blame the man who lost his life and also doesn't seem to have created the situation in the first place.
16 July 2008
at 11:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gphawk89 (Anonymous) says…
“I honestly suspect the cyclist is at fault. Even if the truck ran the light you should be paying enough attention, and it isn't much, to notice the Semi.”
Huh?? It's the cyclist's fault for not avoiding someone making an illegal turn in front of him? What kind of twisted logic is that?
So if I had not swerved hard onto the shoulder this morning to avoid a car that suddenly decided to share the same lane as my motorcycle, it would be my fault for not avoiding him? This happens to me about once a week. Automobile and truck drivers: please, please be aware of your surroundings before turning left across oncoming traffic, changing lanes, pulling out from side streets, etc.
16 July 2008
at 11:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Trobs (Anonymous) says…
I'm not eager to blame a dead man. Don't distort my opinion. My view on the situation is that he is at fault. Does that make me a bad person? I hope not.
16 July 2008
at 11:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
gphawk89 (Anonymous) says…
“I think that having a law that makes motorcyclist's use their headlights at ALL times, (even during the day) could keep a lot of this from happening.”
Motorcycle headlights ARE on at all times. Motorcycles have been built this way as long as I can remember - no way to turn off the headlights.
16 July 2008
at 11:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
angeljhawk (Anonymous) says…
I remember, when I was a child, my mother ran into a motorcyclist at a left-turn signal (95th and Antioch in Overland Park) in her Chevy Impala. She was yielding to traffic but did not see the motorcycle as it was in the righthand lane of oncoming traffic and was obscured behind a big camper which was in the lefthand lane. She turned right into him, but hit her brakes so hard that she broke her ankle. He survived, but was critically injured. There was a house there (long since gone) owned by a little old lady who took my younger brother and me up on her porch where we sat on the swing and watched the cleanup. I must have been 4 or 5 years old, but I will never forget the horror on my mother's face as she realized that she was going to hit him, and her fear right afterward that she had killed him. I always, always look for motorcycles, pedestrians, bicycles and scooters while driving - one should constantly be scanning the immediate area and paying attention - but sometimes accidents happen and can't be avoided. My condolences to the Pucket family & the truck driver, too.
16 July 2008
at 11:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
morganlefay (Anonymous) says…
My sympathies go out to the victim's family & friends.
That said, with the increase in motorcylce, moped, and bicycle riders, there is bound to be more accidents like this. It's common sense, the usage goes up, accidents will go up too. Just this morning on my drive to work, I saw 2 different motorcylce riders pull out in front of traffic. I'm not saying who's fault this last accident was because I don't know. I do know that I hate driving around bikes of any kind because you have to drive more defensively with them on the road and to be honest, I don't trust them. I don't know if they're going to stay to the side or pull out in front of someone. Motorcyles are nothing but death machines. I've never rode one and don't ever plan on it. It's way too easy to become hamburger meat.
16 July 2008
at 11:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
“This biker just didn't see the change in the light until it was too late.”
–––––-
Sorry, but that makes no sense. The light cycle for 23rd/Clinton Pkwy is as follows (assuming there are cars in both left turn lanes):
1) green arrows for both the east-to-north turn lane and the west-to-south turn lane
2) green arrows for both turn lanes turn to red
3) green lights for westbound and eastbound straight traffic
4) westbound and eastbound lights turn to red.
Then the north-south traffic goes. In my 20+ years in Lawrence, I have never seen the east-west straight lights turn to red to be followed by the east-west turn lanes getting a green arrow.
Also, the intersection does dip, but the light is visible from a distance from all sides of the light. Explaining this as the biker not seeing the light change in time also doesn't make sense.
It may be possible, but I suspect the person you talked to is mistaken about the biker “running the light as if it wasn't even there”. If he had done that then his collision would have been with someone turning north-to-west (Iowa onto Clinton) or with someone turning south-to-east (Iowa onto 23rd. The fact that he collided with a truck that was on 23rd moving to Iowa makes it impossible that the biker ran a red light unless the order of the lights at that intersection has been changed.
I apologize if I am falsely attributing blame to the truck driver, but the facts seem to support that idea and I have seen truckers do exactly what I am saying so many times that it makes me very angry. Especially now that it may have (if it indeed happened this way) resulted in a person losing their life.
16 July 2008
at 11:51 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
dani36921 (Anonymous) says…
It frustrates me that so many people are complaining about the closure of the intersection. I was at the intersection 3 minutes after it happened. I saw him laying there covered with police cars everywhere. They could have taken days for all i cared. This stuff doesn't happen everyday. I man died, and some people continue to focus on why the investigation took so long instead of the real issue.
16 July 2008
at 12:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
KURocks (Anonymous) says…
I'm sorry this happened, but I'm going to guess it was the bikers fault. I see these guys every day doing stupid stuff. Most are young and think they're invincible, and are until the last time.
16 July 2008
at 12:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
shawn1040 (Anonymous) says…
This accident would have been avoided if the west bound semi could have taken the bypass. Its always a bad idea having semi's running through your town. build the slt!!
16 July 2008
at 12:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
hammysammy (Anonymous) says…
Actually, they changed the signals in the last months so now the turn signals go after the green light, stopping the traffic coming in the other direction so that often south forward traffic is proceeding at the same time as the left turners,at least in the north-south direction. It has definitely thrown me for a loop a few times, as I work at 23rd and Iowa and go through that intersection several times a week. I have long been accustomed to the pattern as decribed by logicsound, but it is no longer accurate.
Having said that, I was working last night and witnessed the tragic aftermath. My condolences to all affected.
16 July 2008
at 12:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Take_a_letter_Maria (Anonymous) says…
dani36921 (Anonymous) says:
It frustrates me that so many people are complaining about the closure of the intersection. I was at the intersection 3 minutes after it happened. I saw him laying there covered with police cars everywhere. They could have taken days for all i cared. This stuff doesn't happen everyday. I man died, and some people continue to focus on why the investigation took so long instead of the real issue.
––––––––––––––––––––––––—
Good call dani.
It just goes to show how selfish people have become lately.
16 July 2008
at 12:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
Thanks for the clarification hammysammy.
That does change things quite a bit.
16 July 2008
at 12:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
FMT6488 (Anonymous) says…
1. Motorcycles have a constant “on” headlight! All street legal motorcycles have had this feature since the early seventies.
2. Riders of ANY two - wheeled vehicle in this country learn not to ride “defensively”; they ride “paranoid”! Especially when in a town or city. The simple fact is : Most drivers of cars, trucks, semis, etc. do not LOOK for smaller vehicles.
3. The motorcycle in the picture is a “touring” bike. Only serious motorcycle riders would buy one - the rider of the bike was probably an experienced rider.
While I admit that it is part of human nature to speculate on the cause of the accident, I think a little consideration for the family and friends of the victim should be used as well.
16 July 2008
at 12:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
MattressMan (Anonymous) says…
My turn to speculate…
Perhaps inattentive driving on both parties part. Truck turns south (with the green arrow) not realizing the right hand lane was closed. Maybe he then had to stop and manuver to get in the left lane. Meanwhile the biker (not knowing the truck is stopped or extrmely slow) is timing the signal change believing the truck would be clear of the intersection by the time he enters.
Or
Not sure of that particular intersection and how the lights are set but there are some intersections in this town where you can have two green arrows. One of the turn lanes clears of traffic and the other still has turning traffic. The cleared lane turns red and the traffic going straight with the green arrow is given the green light. So with that scenario perhaps the biker believed when he saw the green arrow turn red from his direction he believed the other green arrow would change as well thus he continued at his rate of speed into the intersection.
logic says … In my 20+ years in Lawrence, I have never seen the east-west straight lights turn to red to be followed by the east-west turn lanes getting a green arrow.
I know you are talking about 23rd and Iowa but that damn light in front of Home Depot does this exact thing.
Bottom line is defensive driving is a must for all especially cyclist. Be Aware Motorcycles Are Everywhere!
16 July 2008
at 12:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
sammiesays (Anonymous) says…
The point to all of this……Always drive defensively…….Accidents happen! Unfortunately there are fatalities…..
As for the investigation: The police are doing what they are trained to do….Especially involving a fatality. If it had been one of your family members involved….You would expect the same attention to detail…..
I'm sorry for the families involved.
16 July 2008
at 12:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Luxor (Anonymous) says…
I went through that intersection about a hour ago a and watched a Bud Light truck run the red turn signal as the truck turned to go south from 23rd St.
16 July 2008
at 12:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
trinity (Anonymous) says…
well, morganlefay, i can make the exact same allegations about 4 wheeled vehicles that you've made about 'cycles. it is a good thing that you don't care to experience riding a motorcycle. but you needn't be so demeaning and smug toward those of us who *do* ride, have ridden for years, and intend to do so as long as possible. good grief.
and dreamwarrior, what was that bit about “besides they were trying to get some extra pay.” have mercy! that was such a reprehensible, inane, ignorant comment-i'm speechless.
16 July 2008
at 12:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
madijo2007 (Anonymous) says…
http://www.myspace.com/douglaswpuckett
This is Douglas' Myspace account. R.I.P.
16 July 2008
at 12:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
copperdog007 (Anonymous) says…
as an ex-trucker i can tell you from many thousands of safe miles driven coast to coast through every state and every major city. most accidents involving a big truck and a smaller vehicle are caused by the smaller vehicles impatience with a big slow moving truck that always seems to be in their way. now granted these actions by the little guy do frustrate some truckers and cause them to not be on their best defenses, however remember that with a little vehicle and a big truck the big truck will win. another thing to keep in mind next time you open the fridge and grab the milk remember its there because a trucker got it there as well as just about everything else we use each and every day even the cars we drive so carelessly around these big trucks got to the dealership on the back of a big rig. A little comparison is to think about how much distance a 2500 lb car needs to stop from 55mph and a 80,000 lb truck needs to stop. the answer is aprox 150 feet compared to 700 feet. So just remember next time you cut off a trucker, think about, you just cut off the delivery of your basic goods you need to survive. Drive carefully
16 July 2008
at 1:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
“logic says : In my 20+ years in Lawrence, I have never seen the east-west straight lights turn to red to be followed by the east-west turn lanes getting a green arrow.
I know you are talking about 23rd and Iowa but that damn light in front of Home Depot does this exact thing.”
––––––-
I've seen lights have that pattern before, but I'd never seen the 23rd/Iowa use that pattern. As hammysammy pointed, out it seems they've changed the sequence at 23rd/Iowa…
16 July 2008
at 1:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
OnlyTheOne (Anonymous) says…
Well, since the left lane turn goes first at that intersection and the truck was turning left his light (on 23rd) would have been red before the motorcyclist's light, eastbound on 23rd, would have changed to green.
I see a lot of inaccurate assumptions in the trash typing here.
1) The motorcyclist had to be speeding cause he would've seen the truck. It appears the truck cut in front of the rider and I'll wager the bike was close to the intersection when the driver did it. If you haven't ridden you have no idea how often it happens. I had a guy look me in the eye - that's when I knew he would - and he did!
2) The trash about the grades and poor visibility. The truck sits pretty high guys.
3) It's the motorcyclists fault cause he should have been paying more attention. Look folks the guy was from Indiana you don't ride a Goldwing (that's what it looks like) from Indiana without having some savvy when it comes to riding!
4) On almost every left turn light South to Iowa from 23rd somebody, sometimes two, runs the red!
It's the same old stuff I've heard far too many times and for far too many fallen comrades, “Honest Officer I didn't see him and he was going too fast.”
Kill a biker? Go to jail!
16 July 2008
at 1:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
redwaggoner (Anonymous) says…
Did it ever occur to anyone that the trucker may have entered the intewrsection on a green arrow and it changed after the cab passed the traffic signal? If this is the case, the biker was anticipating a green light for him long before the trucker entered the intersection and as many people do (myself included) :”goose” their vehicle to make a green light to avoid stopping. I dunno, as i live in another town but do know that intersection very well as I grew up .in Lawrence (happiness is Lawrence Kansas in your rear view mirror) It is a very dangerous intersection to say the least. It always has been and will continue to be so.
16 July 2008
at 1:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
unknownperson (Anonymous) says…
this is y we need camras on stoplights stupid people who dont know how to drive run red lights
16 July 2008
at 1:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
morganlefay (Anonymous) says…
I knew I'd manage to piss someone off with my post. Mission accomplished for the day. Too bad the truth hurts, trinity. Deal with it.
16 July 2008
at 1:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
peachesncream (Anonymous) says…
Some people should think before they post. If you would not want these things said about your loved one then you should not post it about someone elses loved one. “treat others the way you wish to be treated” our thoughts and prayers to both families involved.
16 July 2008
at 2:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
ladyoneill (Anonymous) says…
To those who keep throwing the “trafficway” issue into this discussion, do you really think that building that thing is going to get rid of every semi-truck in town? Do we know that this particular truck would have used the bypass? What if the driver was making deliveries? Hundreds of semis make deliveries in town every day. They aren't going to use the bypass!
16 July 2008
at 2:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
chestylion13 (Anonymous) says…
Really, people? Of course politics and what caused the accident are valid topics to be disscussed, but how about we forget about the SLT, impatient motorcyclists, bad semi drivers, turn signals, and road construction, for just a little while, and remember that someone died. Regardless of who is at fault, let's have some respect for those involved here.
This was someone's friend/son/husband or what ever else. Yes, there is a time and place for arguing over how this could have been prevented and all the problems with traffic in Lawrence. But I think for now, we should all be thankful that we were given this day to live, and should have sympathy for those who were not as fortunate.
I will get off my soap box now.
16 July 2008
at 2:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
sherbert (Anonymous) says…
Wow, his My Space page is kinda prophetic, says he's 'On Vacation' and is playing the country song, Your Going to Miss Me. So sad.
16 July 2008
at 2:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
acg (Anonymous) says…
Don't feel bad, morgan, I think they're death machines, too. When I was 8 my brother was hit by a lady doing 60 in a 25 when he was on his motorcycle. It ruined his life and financially ruined my family for years. It was 2 years before my brother could walk again. He had 37 operations to fix what was left of his leg. Today, almost 30 years later, he's still in pain and his leg and foot will never be the same. His personality will never be same because of it, too. I realize that it's economical to ride a bike and it can be exhilarating. But to me, when I'm going down the road, I would rather be surrounded by something (metal? plastic? Are cars made of metal anymore?) on all four sides.
16 July 2008
at 2:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
RKLOG (Mark Andrew) says…
I once saw an ant eat a large potato chip, all by itself.
16 July 2008
at 3:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Puckett7 (Anonymous) says…
Please let me apologize on behalf of my uncle and our entire family for the delay in people's day. I'm sorry that it was such a hassle that he died on your route. Perhaps some of the delay is related to the difficulties in identifying his body.
To answer someone's question: yes, he did reside in Indiana and was traveling through on a bike trip. He was an experienced rider, and bought himself the new bike after my grandparents died in the last couple of years.
I suppose I'm a glutton for punishment reading the posts here, but as our family is spread through out the country it is hard to get news from LE there. However, we greatly appreciate their efforts and those of the paramedics and other response team members.
We don't know who was “at fault” as you are all so intently speculating about, only that we have lost a member of our family who was a son, brother, uncle and friend. Whatever the light pattern was or is we will miss him.
Thank you for your condolences.
16 July 2008
at 3:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
horsegirl (Anonymous) says…
Sorry for your loss, Puckett7.
16 July 2008
at 3:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
logicsound04 (Anonymous) says…
Puckett7,
I too am sorry for your loss, and I apologize if my speculation has made this tragedy worse.
I'm sure you understand that witnessing a tragedy like the one that happened to your uncle leaves people with questions and a need to answer those questions. In fact, I'm sure that your questions are far greater and more painful than any of us here on this message board.
I guess I can't help myself but to want answers—I know that motorcyclists and trailer-truckers are on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of vulnerability and ability to inflict damage on other motorists. And considering the types of driving conduct I have witnessed in the past at this intersection, it made me mad that a preventable death may have occurred due to the carelessness of another driver. Perhaps I should just be patient and wait until the final details are revealed rather than trying to find a place to lay blame.
Again, I apologize if I've contributed to your heartache.
16 July 2008
at 4:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
none2 (Anonymous) says…
keithmiles05,
It might be the case that the individual made the whole thing up. However, unless you can prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that this person wasn't a relative, most of us will assume that it was a legitimate claim.
That being said, there was about two posts from friends/family. One from a neighbor, and one from this relative. How does that justfy a comment like “blogging like there is no tomorrow”?
Just because YOU don't want to read the comments, doesn't mean others don't — including friends and family. How are they to know that this town is has a lot of bloggers who care nothing about human life. These bloggers were just too inconvenienced by the situation, or upset that the SLT wasn't built so they could even speed away from an accident at 65+ miles an hour instead of being on 23rd Street. What do they want. Just don't do anything? Let people continue to drive over a wreck scene like passing by roadkill?
I too was headed south at 7pm and had to go around the intersection. I dealt with it just fine, and don't feel the need to whine about it. For Gods sake, a man DIED, and people are mad about being inconvenienced. There are simply too many people in Lawrence with pathetic priorities.
16 July 2008
at 4:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
cheeseburger (Anonymous) says…
JayViking-
I wouldn't say that, but it needed to be said, and I'm glad you did! Of course Keith is the type of person that would whine the loudest if the situation was reversed and people were commenting about a family member of his!
16 July 2008
at 4:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
BBFantastic (Anonymous) says…
Wow, are you serious??? What exactly did I violate? Don't think so.
16 July 2008
at 5:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
enima18 (Anonymous) says…
What irritates me is the fact that truck drivers know that they are much less vulnerable in their truck cabs than the rest of the people on the roads. They blatently use the size of their vehicle to push other drivers around. The fact of the matter is that the truck drivers have a larger responsibility to other drivers because they drive such large and dangerous vehicles. I don't know how many times I have seen truck drivers blow through red lights when traveling down 23rd street. I know I've seen a lot more truck drivers run lights and drive like jerks than I have motorcyclists. I guess we will find out who caused the accident but if I had to guess, it was the truck driver.
16 July 2008
at 5:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
epuck (Anonymous) says…
As the brother of Doug Puckett I would like thank you to the police and emergency services of Lawerence for everything they have done to help my sister and myself to get Doug home Thank you!
16 July 2008
at 5:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
twofrogs5846 (Anonymous) says…
I believe every one has done something stupid on the road and don't tell me you haven't because unless you have never driven their has been a situation where you are the one at fault. besides that my boyfriend has a motorcycle and let me tell you motorcycle drivers are scared to death to get on the road with all of you incased in your cars you don't look you don't signal and you text while you drive. not saying every one is like this but as much as i drive back and forth to o.p. and around town the majority of car AND semi's don't care how they drive or if there is a motorcycle around. i believe that any one who says that motorcyclists are irresponsible as a whole needs to talk to a couple of them because they will hear horror stories upon horror stories i know my boyfriend has quite a few and he's only had one for a year. i have watched him almost get crushed 3 times!!!!! i guess i am just trying to say everyone needs to be more careful and less judgmental. and i am so sorry for the family my heart goes out to you. look twice save a life. come on people lets keep everyone alive!!!!!!
16 July 2008
at 5:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
BBF,
I didn't see what you wrote, but in the past I have noticed that sometimes two (that I have read) are taken out side by side, when only one was bad.
I don't know if it's a 'staff' click by mistake and then they get the real bad one, or if it's some program flaw.
It's happened to a lot of us.
Maybe the person who clicks to suggest removal clicks the wrong one, corrects, and the staff is hurried and just deletes them both without really checking.
This is all speculation, but know that you aren't alone in this happening.
16 July 2008
at 5:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
BBFantastic (Anonymous) says…
Thanks for letting me know, Multi. Appreciated.