Tractor Fatality update

Keith Molden · Apr 4, 2014

From what I read on WSAZs web page this morning, the suv was in the process of passing a long line of cars and 18 wheelers, just couldn't wait a little bit for the restriction to get out of his way. SUV driver is 68 and tractor driver was 47. and was pinned under the tractor. No need for debate, just letting you all know what they said. Keith

Hay hay hay · Apr 4, 2014

I just read a statistic that USA total miles driven annually has actually doubled since 1980.
From 1,507 billion miles up to 2,954 billion miles in 2013.

I don't think the amount of roads has doubled in that time period. Maybe that explains why the roads seem so congested and the traffic always seems so heavy....because it is!

It is certainly not an excuse, but maybe a factor in the driver impatience we see on the roads, which can then lead to tragic accidents like this one.

jimg.allentown · Apr 4, 2014

IMHO, the SUV driver should be facing vehicular homicide charges.
And to clarify.... the difference between an ACCIDENT and a CRASH....
An accident is what happens when everybody is doing as they should, following the rules, and something unexpected occurs that causes a collision.
A crash is when some overly aggressive driver is violating the rules, and in general driving improperly. Then when the inevitable collision occurs, it is usually plainly the fault of one bad driver.

GRAPE-DRANK · Apr 4, 2014

(quoted from post at 05:42:06 04/04/14) IMHO, the SUV driver should be facing vehicular homicide charges.
And to clarify.... the difference between an ACCIDENT and a CRASH....
An accident is what happens when everybody is doing as they should, following the rules, and something unexpected occurs that causes a collision.
A crash is when some overly aggressive driver is violating the rules, and in general driving improperly. Then when the inevitable collision occurs, it is usually plainly the fault of one bad driver.

Agreed, but I'll take it one step further; the driver of the SUV needs prison time or at the very least an extended stay in jail.

jimg.allentown · Apr 4, 2014

Well, around here vehicular homicide will get you 10 to 15 years in prison. And just to make sure, the local police will add on a few extra charges like reckless driving, failure to keep right, risking a catastrophe, imprudent speed, and a host of others to make good and sure that the big one will stick.

JerryS · Apr 4, 2014

Yeah, sort of like using "mistake" instead of "willful, planned illegal action" to describe the deeds of the athletes, entertainers and politicians who get caught red-handed on the other side of the law.

Pops1532 · Apr 4, 2014

(quoted from post at 12:42:06 04/04/14) IMHO, the SUV driver should be facing vehicular homicide charges.
And to clarify.... the difference between an ACCIDENT and a CRASH....
An accident is what happens when everybody is doing as they should, following the rules, and something unexpected occurs that causes a collision.
A crash is when some overly aggressive driver is violating the rules, and in general driving improperly. Then when the inevitable collision occurs, it is usually plainly the fault of one bad driver.

You may be right but I think you're jumping to conclusions.
Unless the wreck happened in a no passing zone I wouldn't be so quick to condemn the SUV driver. It's not wise to pass a long line of vehicles, but it isn't illegal either.
Was the guy on the tractor signaling a left turn? Was the SUV driver exceeding the speed limit? Did the tractor operator look to see if the left lane was clear of people passing? Way too many unknowns to make a judgement.

Edd made a good point about more miles being driven. There are more cars on the road than ever before. Many of those are on roads that used to be used primarily by farmers. Like it or not, things are much different today than even a few years ago. People are also in a bigger hurry than ever before. I know right is right, and wrong is wrong, but being right isn't worth being dead! People operating tractors or moving equipment need to be more aware of their surroundings than ever before. That includes checking for people passing on the left before making a left turn.

Buckeye · Apr 4, 2014

How many deaths have there been on that stretch of 35? The state of WV does not have the money to finish it. Wonder if we could start up a collection fund to help save lives. I would be willing to make a donation.

Welding man · Apr 4, 2014

Unless the law has changed,it is actually against the law, in WV, to pass more than two vehicles on a two lane road. That was a question on the drivers test,back when I took mine.
I used to live on 35. Fraziers Bottom is some of the best farm land in the state.

Traditional Farmer · Apr 4, 2014

Actually in WVA I think it is illegal to pass more than one vehicle at a time on a 2 lane road.

MarkWV · Apr 4, 2014

you are correct, only one at a time on two lane, also states you are to sound your horn as you start to pass

Pops1532 · Apr 4, 2014

That's actually not a bad law but if we have that in IL I've never heard of it. Of course many of our roads are straighter and have fewer hills than WV.
Usually when you see someone passing a line of slower vehicles they're all pretty much bumper to bumper which isn't safe either.

Keith Molden · Apr 4, 2014

Only need a few hundred more deaths to get the rest of it 4 lane. This happened near the drag strip. Keith

Wemedeeres · Apr 4, 2014

The only thing worse now would be the SUV driver hiring some hotshot big money lawyer that'd try turning around to make it look like the tractor driver was at fault.

I sure hope the judge gives him a good penalty!

Buckeye · Apr 4, 2014

I just heard on the radio he was passing in a no passing zone and law enforcement has turned it over to a grand jury to see if they will press any charges.

notjustair · Apr 4, 2014

They need to get the last 12 people that saw the man driving that day to be on the jury. It sounds like he was just being a hot head. He's probably got enough money to get off.

Pops1532 · Apr 5, 2014

If that's true he's got himself in serious trouble.

Tractor Fatality update

Keith Molden

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Hay hay hay

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jimg.allentown

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GRAPE-DRANK

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jimg.allentown

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JerryS

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Pops1532

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Buckeye

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Welding man

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Traditional Farmer

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MarkWV

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Pops1532

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Keith Molden

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Wemedeeres

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Buckeye

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notjustair

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Pops1532

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