SB 158 - A Bill Protecting Riders
“You don’t know me, but…”
Didn’t those old American Express ads used to begin that way? The same applies here, I think. You don’t know me but… I’ve been asked by the editors to contribute a regular column on legal issues of interest to motorcycle operators. My background is in representing people injured, or the families of people killed, as the result of negligent motorists, errant dogs or faulty products. I’ve handled over 100 two-wheeled cases, including bicycle and motorcycle operators. I’ve also worked as an advocate with non-profit groups such as the Ohio Bike Federation and “Rails to Trails” promoting the education of both “the masses” and riders about rights, responsibilities and liability.
Every two-wheeled rider in Ohio should be aware of Ohio’s “Senate Bill 158.” Most legislation, unless it’s a helmet law, barely gets noticed by riders – but this one should get your attention because by the time you need it, it will be too late!
SB 158 is a bill pending right now which was jointly sponsored by a coalition of bicycle and motorcycle groups, known as the Ohio Right-of-Way Working Group. The American Motorcycle Association is part of this group, as well as the Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition (COBAC), the Columbus Coalition of Motorcycle Riders, Concerned Motorcycle Riders of Ohio (CMRO), Confederation of Clubs of Ohio, Ohio Bicycle Federation, and Train MRO, Inc. Just what is so damn important that so many diverse groups are working together on getting this legislation passed into law?
SB 158 provides increased protection to two-wheeled riders from motorists by stiffening the penalties of seemingly “minor” traffic violations that lead to catastrophic results. For example, causing a “rear-ender” [or, in legalese, violating the “assured clear distance ahead” rule] is a minor misdemeanor, with minor penalties. We all know a “rear-ender” can lead to serious injuries or death to those not encased in a 2500 pound metal box and riding on four wheels! SB 158 kicks up the penalty based on the injury. If the incident resulted in “serious physical harm to another” the violation becomes a misdemeanor. The penalties are increased to include up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, license suspension and the imposition of two, three or even four points on the violator’s license! If a death is caused, the jail term under SB 158 can be 180 days, the fine $1000.00, and the points assessed can be as many as six.
The other cool thing about SB 158 is that the fines imposed are to be deposited in a newly created fund – the “Highway Safety Education Fund.” These monies are to be spent only for “…educational activities related to highway safety.”
So, the first lesson of Bike Law 101 is this: Find your state representatives – House & Senate. Call, write or email them and tell them you ride and you’re part of the hundreds of thousands of educated riders in Ohio. Tell them you’re concerned that motorists who kill or maim are riders are getting off too easy. Tell them that that passage of SB 158 is critical to you and your fellow riders.
GOOD LUCK & GOOD RIDING!
Didn’t those old American Express ads used to begin that way? The same applies here, I think. You don’t know me but… I’ve been asked by the editors to contribute a regular column on legal issues of interest to motorcycle operators. My background is in representing people injured, or the families of people killed, as the result of negligent motorists, errant dogs or faulty products. I’ve handled over 100 two-wheeled cases, including bicycle and motorcycle operators. I’ve also worked as an advocate with non-profit groups such as the Ohio Bike Federation and “Rails to Trails” promoting the education of both “the masses” and riders about rights, responsibilities and liability.
Every two-wheeled rider in Ohio should be aware of Ohio’s “Senate Bill 158.” Most legislation, unless it’s a helmet law, barely gets noticed by riders – but this one should get your attention because by the time you need it, it will be too late!
SB 158 is a bill pending right now which was jointly sponsored by a coalition of bicycle and motorcycle groups, known as the Ohio Right-of-Way Working Group. The American Motorcycle Association is part of this group, as well as the Central Ohio Bicycle Advocacy Coalition (COBAC), the Columbus Coalition of Motorcycle Riders, Concerned Motorcycle Riders of Ohio (CMRO), Confederation of Clubs of Ohio, Ohio Bicycle Federation, and Train MRO, Inc. Just what is so damn important that so many diverse groups are working together on getting this legislation passed into law?
SB 158 provides increased protection to two-wheeled riders from motorists by stiffening the penalties of seemingly “minor” traffic violations that lead to catastrophic results. For example, causing a “rear-ender” [or, in legalese, violating the “assured clear distance ahead” rule] is a minor misdemeanor, with minor penalties. We all know a “rear-ender” can lead to serious injuries or death to those not encased in a 2500 pound metal box and riding on four wheels! SB 158 kicks up the penalty based on the injury. If the incident resulted in “serious physical harm to another” the violation becomes a misdemeanor. The penalties are increased to include up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, license suspension and the imposition of two, three or even four points on the violator’s license! If a death is caused, the jail term under SB 158 can be 180 days, the fine $1000.00, and the points assessed can be as many as six.
The other cool thing about SB 158 is that the fines imposed are to be deposited in a newly created fund – the “Highway Safety Education Fund.” These monies are to be spent only for “…educational activities related to highway safety.”
So, the first lesson of Bike Law 101 is this: Find your state representatives – House & Senate. Call, write or email them and tell them you ride and you’re part of the hundreds of thousands of educated riders in Ohio. Tell them you’re concerned that motorists who kill or maim are riders are getting off too easy. Tell them that that passage of SB 158 is critical to you and your fellow riders.
GOOD LUCK & GOOD RIDING!
